Katie Leung Says Her ‘Harry Potter’ Experience Was Hard and She Wouldn’t Return

Katie Leung recently opened up about her time playing Cho Chang in the Harry Potter movies and made it clear she has no interest in going back. The actress, now known for her roles in Bridgerton and other television projects, said the experience was difficult to handle as a young performer.

“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,” Leung told Entertainment Tonight. She explained that being in the intense public spotlight made her early career more overwhelming than enjoyable.

Leung contrasted that period with her current work, highlighting the confidence she has gained over the years. Playing Lady Araminta Gun in the fourth season of Bridgerton, she said she now approaches roles with focus and 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. Reflecting on her growth, Leung added that she no longer doubts her place on major productions.

“I never questioned it. And once you stop questioning it, you can actually focus on bringing your best work.” Since her debut in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005, she appeared in five films through the series finale in 2011. Since then, she has built a diverse career that includes stage work, voice acting, and television dramas.

@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

Leung also offered advice for whoever takes on the role of Cho Chang in the upcoming HBO adaptation of the wizarding world, set to premiere in 2027. “For anybody, really, whatever stage in their life, my advice is just to be themselves, because that’s what makes them unique,” she said.

She encouraged new actors to ignore criticism and protect their own perspective. The new series has already generated excitement, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Veteran stars like John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu will also appear. Filming is underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and fans are eager to see how the story unfolds in this deep-dive adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s saga.

Katie Leung’s reflections show how far she has come since her early days in the spotlight, proving that experience, growth, and self-confidence are key to thriving in a challenging industry.

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