Katie Leung Reflects on ‘Harry Potter’ Fame and Embraces Latest Roles

Katie Leung, best known for her role as Cho Chang in the “Harry Potter” film series, has spoken candidly about her experiences with fame and self-discovery and her excitement about taking on diverse roles like Lady Araminta Gun in the latest season of “Bridgerton.”

From Hogwarts to ‘Bridgerton’

Leung, who appeared in five of the eight “Harry Potter” films – beginning with 2005’s “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – recently shared her perspective on revisiting her early career and the contrast with her current work. She portrayed Cho Chang in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1,” and “Part 2.”

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Leung stated she wouldn’t want to reprise her role as Cho Chang. “I was so young at the time, and I was so easily influenced by what people would say about me due to the fact that I didn’t know who I was,” she explained. “So I’ve arrive into ‘Bridgerton’ having a really healthy focus on the work. I’m so glad I’m here. I would not want to go back to that time. Not because I had a bad time or anything, but it’s just really nice when you know who you are, and I’m still figuring that out, but I’m a bit closer.”

Leung described feeling more confident and deserving of her roles in projects like “Arcane” and “Bridgerton,” stating she didn’t question her place on those sets. “Once you stop questioning it, you can actually focus on bringing your best work,” she told Variety in February.

Navigating Early Fame and Online Backlash

The actress also discussed the challenges of navigating sudden fame at a young age and the impact of online negativity. She recalled being a novice actor thrust into a high-pressure environment with little experience. “My first job — ‘Harry Potter’ — I had never acted before in my life, and suddenly I was in front of 20 cameras and 100 people, completely lost, still figuring out who I was,” she said.

Leung spoke to The Guardian about dealing with racism and backlash during her time filming “Harry Potter.” She acknowledged that while it’s demanding to say what could have been done differently at the time, the experience affected her self-awareness and willingness to express herself. “I think it just sat with me, and it affected me in ways like, ‘Oh yeah, I made that decision because people were saying this about me.’ It probably made me less outgoing,” she shared.

Advice for the Next Cho Chang

With an upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation in the works from HBO, Leung offered advice to the actress who will take on the role of Cho Chang. “For anybody really, [whatever] stage in their life, [my advice is] just to be themselves, because that’s what makes them unique,” Leung said to Entertainment Tonight. “And to not let the kind of noise of other people receive to you, because what you have already is a gift, and you should really just try and hold onto that.”

A New Chapter

Leung’s recent role as Lady Araminta Gun in Season 4 of “Bridgerton,” released in January and February 2026, marks a significant step in her career. She described the “Bridgerton” set as welcoming and supportive, allowing her to explore different facets of her character without fear of judgment. The actress, who welcomed a baby boy in June 2024, also balanced the demands of filming with motherhood.

As Leung continues to evolve as an actress, she demonstrates a commitment to embracing new challenges and prioritizing her well-being, marking a promising new chapter in her career.