Katie Leung Explains Why She Would Not Go Back to Her ‘Harry Potter’ Days

Katie Leung recently shared in a candid interview that she has no desire to revisit her formative years spent portraying Cho Chang in the iconic Harry Potter film franchise. The actress, who has since built a substantial and varied career in television, explained that the intense public spotlight during her youth made that period of her life difficult to navigate.

Looking back, Leung explained that she was particularly vulnerable to public opinion during the filming of the series. “I was so young at the time, and I was so easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn’t know who I was,” she shared during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight.

She emphasized that her lack of experience and self-assuredness made the experience overwhelming, rather than the career-defining joy that many fans might assume. Leung’s perspective on her early work contrasts sharply with her current professional life.

The actress, who recently took on the role of the formidable and ambitious Lady Araminta Gun in the fourth season of the Regency-era hit Bridgerton, stated that she now approaches her work with much more confidence and professional clarity.

“I’ve come 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,” she said. This newfound professional security is something Leung credits to her maturity and her growth as a performer.

Comparing her current roles to her beginnings, she noted that she no longer questions her presence on major productions. “I felt like I deserved to be on those shows,” she added regarding her recent work in projects like the animated sensation Arcane and the period drama Bridgerton.

“I never questioned it. And once you stop questioning it, you can actually focus on bringing your best work.” Leung made her screen debut as Cho Chang in 2005 with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, appearing in five films total through the series finale in 2011.

Since then, she has navigated a diverse career that includes acclaimed stage productions, voice acting, and various television dramas. Her performance as Lady Araminta Gun in Bridgerton has been widely praised for adding depth and complexity to the show’s social circles.

@entertainmenttonight Katie Leung says she was in a much healthier place when she took on her role in 'Bridgerton' and admits she would not relive her 'Harry Potter' days. #katieleung #bridgerton #harrypotter ♬ original sound – Entertainment Tonight

With an upcoming television adaptation of the wizarding world currently in production at HBO, Leung also offered some wisdom for whoever steps into the role of Cho Chang next. “For anybody, really, whatever stage in their life, my advice is just to be themselves, because that’s what makes them unique,” she advised.

She encouraged newcomers to ignore external criticism, reminding them that their individual perspective is a gift that should be protected. The upcoming Harry Potter television series, which is set to premiere on HBO in 2027, has already generated significant excitement as it gears up for production.

The series features newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The expansive ensemble cast also boasts veteran stars, with John Lithgow portraying Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

Filming is currently underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the team aims to provide a faithful, deep-dive adaptation of the original seven-book saga. Dedicated fans can’t wait to see the final product

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