Katie Leung has built an impressive career in visual and audio media. She lent her voice to the character Ling in Caitlyn and Podcast 1984, featured in Netflix’s Arcane. Additionally, she is set to portray the character Ladyaramineta in the upcoming season of the popular historical romance series Bridgerton. Leung first gained recognition as a teen actress in her role as Cho Chang in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where she became a pivotal figure in the story as both a Quidditch star from Ravenclaw and the love interest of Cedric Diggory. Her first appearance was in the fourth film, and she reprised her role in the series finale seven years later. Recently, she provided some valuable insights during a conversation with a future actor in the Harry Potter universe.
In a meeting with Katie in London at the BAFTA Games Awards on April 8th, GamingBible’s Kate Harold asked Leung to share her thoughts on being part of such an iconic project. Leung reflected on her experiences, expressing that it was a daunting task given the substantial budget and the numerous individuals involved.
"I remember it being really scary because it became a really big-budget show, and there were a lot of people involved," Leung recalled.
This apprehension is completely understandable. The Harry Potter franchise was already immensely popular, featuring renowned actors like Richard Harris, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith in adult roles, while also serving as a launching pad for many young actors. The introduction of Cho Chang in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was particularly exciting for Leung, who appreciated the dynamic surrounding Harry and the charming Ravenclaw students. Her emotional performance showcased a diverse range of feelings, culminating in a poignant display of sadness, which likely added pressure to stay true to her character from the books.
To the next generation of Potter actors, she advised, "Please stay true to how you want to portray the character and don’t let outside opinions sway you." This advice highlights the importance of actors becoming comfortable in their roles over time. She continued, stating, "You’re cast for a very good reason, so trust in that." Leung encouraged them to also "have fun and remember the support around you."
These wise words reflect an understanding of the challenges young actors face. We eagerly anticipate knowing who will be cast in HBO’s future adaptations.
