"Bootstrap Bill" Turner
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William "Bootstrap Bill" Turner is a fictional pirate in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean film trilogy. Although he makes no appearance in the first film, he appears in both of the sequels, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård.[1][2]
Marine flora and fauna encrust Bootstrap's face and body as he is gradually transformed by the aquatic environment in which he now lives. The longer anyone serves aboard the Flying Dutchman, the more his human features become extinguished as they are replaced by sea life. Bootstrap's humanity remains more visible than those of the other crew members; presumably he is one of the most recent additions to Jones' crew.
"Bootstrap Bill" Turner was the only member of Jones' crew that was not created digitally.[3] His gruesome appearance was achieved with prosthetics and makeup.
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[edit] Character History
[edit] Before Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
William Turner was an English seaman who left his wife and son, Will Turner Jr., in England to seek his fortune in the Caribbean. Through unknown circumstances, he became a pirate, although young Will grew up believing him to be a "respectable merchant seaman."
"Bootstrap Bill" served aboard the Black Pearl when it was captained by Captain Jack Sparrow. When First Mate Hector Barbossa staged a mutiny during their search for California and the Aztec gold, William Turner was the only crewman who did not side with the mutineers, believing it to be a violation of the Pirate's Code. When the gold turned out to be cursed, turning the pirates into living skeletons, Bootstrap believed they deserved to remain cursed for betraying Jack. He sent one of the coins to his son in England. In retaliation, Barbossa had Bootstrap tied to a cannon which was thrown overboard. It was only after this that Barbossa learned that the blood of every man who had taken the Aztec gold was needed to break the curse, including that of Turner. Thus began the search for the missing gold medallion and the next member of the Turner bloodline.
[edit] Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Bootstrap Bill was tied to a cannon and sent to the bottom of the ocean by Captain Barbossa. However, being immortal, he was condemned to spending eternity beneath the crushing sea. Found by davy jones, he swore an oath to serve aboard Jones' ship, the Flying Dutchman for a century in exchange for his freedom. Turner was reunited with his son, Will Turner, when Will was taken captive aboard the Flying Dutchman. He told Will that if Jones' heart ) was stabbed, Davy Jones would die and Jones' crew (including Bootstrap) would be set free.
When Will challenged Davy Jones to a game of Liar's Dice, Bootstrap joined in, betting eternal servitude against the key to the Dead Man's Chest. He deliberately lost the bet so that Will would go free. Will successfully stole the key, and Bootstrap helped him escape. Will promised his father he would find a way to free him as he departed. When a furious Jones sent his own father after Will, Jones forced Bootstrap to watch as the Kraken destroyed the ship that rescued Will, although Will managed to escape.
Bootstrap was last seen being taken to the gallows.
[edit] Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
[edit] Other Apperances
[edit] Action Figure
- "Bootstrap Bill" Turner was made into an action figure in 2006. He appeared in the second series of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest figures produced by NECA.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/582/582838p1.html
- ^ http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/583/583393p1.html
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-07-16-pirates-fx_x.htm
- ^ http://www.necaonline.com/series/detail/36]
