Cary Elwes handed over the famous sword from The Princess Bride to its director Rob Reiner at the end of filming.

Saying the memories attached to the beloved fantasy classic mattered more to him than keeping the iconic prop itself, the actor, 63, reflected on the enduring legacy of the 1987 film during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, explaining his connection to the movie has only deepened in recent years as audiences continue to rediscover the cult favourite through anniversary screenings, streaming platforms and sold-out live events.

Cary starred as the farm boy-turned-pirate Westley opposite Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal and André the Giant in the Rob Reiner-directed adventure, which has become one of the most quoted fantasy films in cinema history.

The renewed attention surrounding the film has also taken on a more emotional tone following the slaughter of Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner in December 2025.

Cary said about the location of the iconic film sword: "No, I gave it to Rob Reiner on the last day of filming. My memories of the film are my greatest keepsake."

The actor has frequently spoken about the importance of the film to both his personal life and career.

Cary previously told People in 2024 The Princess Bride remained "the gift that keeps on giving".

The actor added: "Well, Rob Reiner really helped me with that."

He explained working with Rob also transformed the way Hollywood viewed him as an actor and opened doors to future comedy roles.

Cary said: "Once I got that part, that really kind of opened the door for me, and that's how I got the role of Robin Hood with Mel Brooks."

Referring to his starring role in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Cary added: "So that was really Rob basically saying, 'I believe that you can do comedy and I can believe you do serious as well'."

The actor said the film's popularity has continued to surprise him decades after its release.

Cary said: "I have sold-out shows. I tour with the movie and I sell out everywhere I go. It's crazy. It's really beautiful."

He added: "It's really inconceivable, to use a word that's famous from the movie."

Cary continued: "You»re lucky as an actor to have anyone resonate with your work, and I seem to hit the jackpot with that one."

The fantasy adventure - adapted from William Goldman's novel - earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for Willy DeVille's Storybook Love and has since become deeply embedded in popular culture through lines including "As you wish" and "Inconceivable!"

The film's reputation has continued to grow across generations, while Cary himself has remained a familiar face through projects including Saw, Stranger Things and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning.

In the years following The Princess Bride, Cary remained close friends with Rob. Earlier this year, he shared a tribute on Instagram marking what would have been the late filmmaker's 79th birthday.

Cary wrote: "Today would have been your 79th birthday. Still hard to believe you're gone. Missing you so much."

The post featured a photograph of Cary and Rob together during the 25th anniversary screening and cast reunion for The Princess Bride at the 50th New York Film Festival in 2012.

Rob, who also directed classics including When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me and Misery, remained closely associated with The Princess Bride throughout his career as the film evolved from a modest fantasy release into one of Hollywood's defining cult classics.