From Hogwarts to the Ton: Katie Leung’s Evolving Career and Reflections on Her “Harry Potter” Past
Potterheads will fondly recall the shy Ravenclaw student who, amidst the high-stakes drama of the Triwizard Tournament, quietly captured Harry Potter’s attention. Cho Chang, brought to life by actress Katie Leung, has certainly embarked on a remarkable journey since her days roaming the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Recently, she’s stepped into a captivating new role as Lady Araminta Gun in the latest season of Netflix’s beloved period drama, Bridgerton. While her portrayal of Lady Araminta has once again placed her in the spotlight, it’s not just her Regency-era performance that’s making headlines. The Scottish actress has also been candidly reflecting on her experiences during her time on the Harry Potter film sets.
In a recent turn of events, Leung admitted that she wouldn’t necessarily wish to revisit her Harry Potter days as Cho Chang. This sentiment has sparked curiosity among fans, prompting a closer look at the reasons behind her feelings.
Katie Leung Opens Up About Her On-Set “Harry Potter” Experiences
Leung, who was barely 16 when she first entered the wizarding world for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005, played a pivotal role in one of the franchise’s earliest teenage romances. Years later, while discussing her current role as Lady Araminta Gun in Bridgerton Season 4, the actress shared her perspective on her time as Cho Chang. She explained that her youth at the time meant she was “so easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn’t know who I was.” This led her to approach her new role in Bridgerton with a “really healthy focus on the work.”
“I’m so glad I’m here,” Leung told Entertainment Tonight. “I would not want to go back to that time.” She was quick to clarify that this reflection wasn’t born from any negative experiences on set. Instead, it stems from a place of greater self-understanding and personal growth.
“Not because I had a bad time or anything,” she elaborated, “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.”
Since her tenure in the magical realm, Leung has been a part of several notable projects, showcasing her versatility across different genres. Her post-Harry Potter filmography includes appearances in:
- The BBC series One Child
- ITV’s Strangers
- Amazon Prime’s The Peripheral
- The BBC drama Annika
- Lending her voice to Caitlyn Kiramman in Netflix’s critically acclaimed animated hit Arcane.
A Glimpse into Bridgerton Season 4 and Lady Araminta Gun
While the Harry Potter franchise remains a cultural phenomenon, Bridgerton has also garnered significant global attention. Season 3 alone achieved an impressive viewership, with over 106 million views and 846.5 million hours watched. Season 4 introduces new characters, including Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, alongside her daughters, Rosamund Li and Posy Li.
Lady Araminta enters the opulent world of the Ton as a twice-widowed aristocrat with a singular ambition: to secure advantageous marriages for her daughters within London’s high society. Her sharp intellect and commanding presence quickly establish her as a key player in the intricate social dynamics of the season.
The latest season of Bridgerton promises to continue unfolding tales of scandal, shifting alliances, and blossoming romances within the glittering setting of the Ton. The eight-episode season is being released in two parts on Netflix, with Part 1 dropping on January 29, 2026, and Part 2 following on February 26, 2026.
Despite her reservations about revisiting her past as Cho Chang, Katie Leung is clearly not shying away from the spotlight. Her compelling performance as Lady Araminta Gun in Bridgerton Season 4 ensures she remains a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment, captivating audiences with her evolving on-screen presence and thoughtful reflections on her career.
