Katie Leung’s Journey: From Hogwarts to Bridgerton’s High Society

Katie Leung became a household name for many when she took on the part of Cho Chang, the first romantic interest of the series’ protagonist in Mike Newell’s adaptation of the fourth instalment. Initially, she appeared as the object of Harry’s affections and the first girlfriend of Cedric Diggory, before her character’s brief relationship with Harry in the following chapter.

At the time of her casting, Leung was just 16, embodying the reserved and intelligent Ravenclaw who caught the attention of the young wizard during the Triwizard Tournament. She continued to feature in subsequent films, with her final appearance showing her character’s survival after the climactic battle.

Leung’s Appearances in the Wizarding World

Leung’s involvement in the franchise spanned several entries, each receiving notable acclaim. Her filmography within the series includes:

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – 88% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – 78%
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) – 83%
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010) – 76%
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) – 96%

Her portrayal left a lasting impression, even as her role became more limited in the later films.

Facing Online Hostility Amidst Rising Fame

While the franchise’s popularity brought Leung considerable attention and opened doors to further opportunities, it also exposed her to a wave of online abuse. Although many viewers welcomed her as the protagonist’s first love, she soon encountered a less welcoming side of the fanbase.

During a podcast appearance, Leung recounted stumbling upon fan sites filled with derogatory remarks about her background and appearance. She described discovering a site where people could register their disapproval of her casting, which she found deeply distressing as a teenager new to the spotlight.

I was, like, Googling myself at one point, and I was on this website, which was kind of dedicated to the kind of ‘Harry Potter’ fandom. I remember reading all the comments. And, yeah, it was a lot of racist sh*t.

Somebody had actually created a website, a hate site. It was like, if you disagree with this casting, click on this button, and it was like a count of who disagreed with the casting. It’s so awful.

Seeking guidance, she approached her publicists, who advised her to avoid engaging with the negativity and to refrain from addressing the issue publicly. She was encouraged to focus on her work and not to let public opinion affect her.

Building a Career Beyond the Wizarding World

In time, Leung came to understand the reasoning behind her team’s advice. Years later, she shared that the most effective way to handle the prejudice and criticism was to ignore it and concentrate on her craft.

Since then, she has steadily built a diverse career across film, television, and theatre, gradually stepping out from under the shadow of her early fame. Her latest venture sees her joining the much-talked-about period drama’s fourth series, marking a significant new chapter.

Stepping Into Bridgerton’s World

The streaming giant has confirmed that the next series is now in production in London, with new leads and several fresh faces joining the cast. Among them, Leung takes on the role of Lady Araminta Gun, a twice-widowed woman entering society with her two daughters, determined to secure a match for at least one of them. Her character’s ambitions place her at the heart of the season’s social intrigue.

The period drama, created by Chris Van Dusen and Shonda Rhimes, features a cast including Nicola Coughlan, Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, Simone Ashley, and Jonathan Bailey. The show has enjoyed strong critical reception, with an 84% rating, and is now entering its fourth series.

With this new role, Leung embarks on a fresh journey, bringing her experience and resilience to a world of high society, romance, and ambition.