In The Princess Bride, the masked swordsman who says “As you wish” is Westley.
The 1987 fantasy adventure reveals that Westley was Buttercup’s true love before leaving to seek his fortune. After she believes him dead, Buttercup is forced toward marriage with Prince Humperdinck. Westley later returns in disguise as the Dread Pirate Roberts and begins working to rescue her.
“As you wish” is not merely a polite phrase in the story. The film establishes that Westley used it to express his love for Buttercup, giving the repeated line its romantic meaning. His identity is gradually revealed as the adventure unfolds.
Cary Elwes played Westley, while Robin Wright played Buttercup. The film combines fairy-tale romance, sword fighting, comedy, and a framing story in which a grandfather reads the tale to his sick grandson. Rob Reiner directed the adaptation of William Goldman’s novel.