In this vocabulary based fill in the blank question, choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "Everyone was pleased to learn the actor would _________ his role as the captivating pirate."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of a specific verb frequently used in discussions about film, theatre, and television. The sentence speaks about an actor and a role that audiences already know and love, namely "his role as the captivating pirate". The key idea is that the actor will play the same role again in a later production. The correct verb for performing a role once more is "reprise".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence is "Everyone was pleased to learn the actor would _________ his role as the captivating pirate."
• The context is positive reaction from people who enjoyed the actor in that role earlier.
• The options include "reprise", "rescue", "save", and "free".
• We assume knowledge of basic theatre and cinema vocabulary.

Concept / Approach:
In entertainment contexts, when an actor plays the same character again in a sequel, revival, or new production, we say that the actor "reprises" the role. The verb "reprise" comes from a word meaning "repeat" or "take up again". The other options, "rescue", "save", and "free", relate to physical or metaphorical saving from danger or restriction, which do not match the specific professional sense here. Therefore we must select the term that accurately describes repeating the same performance role.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase "his role as the captivating pirate". This implies that the actor has already played this role before.Step 2: Recognise that audiences are pleased because they will see him in that same character again.Step 3: Recall that the standard verb for taking up a role again is "reprise".Step 4: Insert "reprise" into the sentence: "Everyone was pleased to learn the actor would reprise his role as the captivating pirate."Step 5: Confirm that the sentence now reads naturally for a film or theatre news report.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test other options. "Rescue his role" sounds odd and does not reflect repeating a performance. "Save his role" might loosely suggest preserving the role, but it does not mean playing it again. "Free his role" does not make sense in common English usage. Only "reprise his role" is an established collocation widely seen in entertainment journalism and reviews.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B "rescue" involves saving someone or something from danger, which is not the intended idea here.
• Option C "save" can mean rescue or store, but does not convey the idea of performing a role once more.
• Option D "free" suggests releasing something from control or restriction and is completely unrelated to repeating a character role.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who have not been exposed to film and theatre vocabulary may be unfamiliar with "reprise". In such cases, paying attention to the context of enthusiasm and earlier performance can help. The mention of "his role" strongly hints that the action concerns acting rather than physical rescue, guiding you away from options like "rescue", "save", and "free". Building a reading habit that includes arts and culture sections in newspapers will gradually make such specialised words more familiar.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is "reprise", giving "Everyone was pleased to learn the actor would reprise his role as the captivating pirate".