Orlando Bloom Calm About Lead Debut  4/9/05

Orlando Bloom is refusing to panic about the public reaction to his first lead movie role - because the true star of the film is its director, Ridley Scott.

Bloom recognizes that critics will be closely examining his performance in Kingdom of Heaven, but insists the pressure's been taken off by Scott, who's made the actor a mere pawn in his grand plan.

He says, "When you're collaborating with Ridley Scott, it's his baby. I feel like his is the top name on the slot.

"Of course, there's a certain amount of anticipation to see how audiences will respond and whether I can hold the screen for that long."

Bloom shot to fame playing support roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings.