Katie Leung, the accomplished Scottish actress best known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, recently shared a refreshingly candid story about her unexpected journey into the world of Bridgerton. In an exclusive interview, the 38-year-old performer revealed she had never watched the hit Netflix series before being cast as Lady Araminta Gun in its highly anticipated fourth season.
This admission led to what Leung describes as a "funny story" involving one of the show's biggest stars. Her experience offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes culture of one of television's most popular productions and highlights the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Bridgerton family.
## A Royal Misunderstanding
Leung's casting as Lady Araminta, the evil stepmother in a Cinderella-inspired storyline, came as she prepared to play a pivotal role in the romance between housemaid Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). However, before diving into her character, Leung found herself in an amusingly awkward situation.
During an early wardrobe fitting, before she had finished watching the first season, Leung encountered Golda Rosheuvel in the makeup room. Rosheuvel, who plays the commanding Queen Charlotte, was having an elaborate wig fitted when Leung entered, completely unaware of the actress's significance.
"I remember meeting Golda in the makeup room, and she was getting this big wig fitted at the time, but I had no idea who she was," Leung recounted. The encounter remained remarkably casual, with Rosheuvel greeting her future co-star with warmth. "She just was like, 'Oh, hi Katie,' and she was just super casual and lovely. And she asked me if I was nervous, and I was like, 'No, not nervous.'"
The revelation came days later when Leung continued her Bridgerton viewing. "It wasn't until afterwards—when I started watching season 1—I was like, 'Oh my f---ing God, she's the queen!'" Leung exclaimed, still amused by her obliviousness.
## The Blessing of Not Knowing
In retrospect, Leung views her ignorance as a hidden advantage. "I was really glad that I hadn't seen [the show] yet, because otherwise I would've been nervous and starstruck, and she's so chill," she reflected. This unfiltered interaction allowed for an authentic connection, free from intimidation.
This initial encounter set the tone for Leung's entire integration into the Bridgerton ensemble. "Everybody was so welcoming just from the get-go," she shared. "It just felt super seamless."
## Building a Support System
For Leung, this seamless transition proved particularly significant. The actress confessed that joining any new production typically triggers "first day of school" anxiety. "Whenever you join a new project, it does always feel like the first day of school on the first day on set," she admitted. Yet something about Bridgerton felt different. "I don't know why, but on this occasion, on this project, I just got over that really quickly. So that was nice."
Leung credits part of this comfort to not being the only newcomer. Yerin Ha had also just joined, and Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei, who play Leung's on-screen daughters, were series newcomers as well.
"I think it really helped that I wasn't the only one joining, there was a team of us," Leung noted. The group organized a pre-production HotPot dinner, allowing them to build rapport before filming began.
## Focusing on the Craft
With social anxieties dispelled, Leung could direct her energy toward her character. Lady Araminta promises to be a compelling antagonist whose motivations extend beyond simple villainy into societal pressure and class consciousness.
The storyline centers on Benedict Bridgerton, the "bohemian second son" who resists settling down until he meets a "captivating Lady in Silver" at a masquerade ball—Sophie Baek. Their class-crossing romance will unfold against the backdrop of Lady Araminta's opposition.
## A Welcoming Aristocracy
While Leung brings fresh energy, season 4 also features returning favorites including Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Hannah Dodd, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, and Simone Ashley. This blend creates an exciting dynamic for the series, which has become one of Netflix's most-watched productions.
Leung's experience suggests the production team has cultivated an environment where both veterans and newcomers thrive. Her story serves as a reminder that approaching new situations with an open mind can lead to authentic connections.
## Anticipation for the Ton
As Bridgerton prepares to unveil its fourth season, fans can look forward to a captivating Cinderella-inspired romance enriched by new talent. Leung's journey from Harry Potter to the Ton represents an exciting evolution, allowing her to explore complex adult roles.
Her Lady Araminta will embody the constraints and intrigue of Regency era society, adding a new dimension to the show's exploration of class and love. For Leung, the experience has been a lesson in authenticity, community, and the benefits of embracing the unknown.
The combination of compelling storytelling, supportive cast dynamics, and Leung's talent suggests season 4 will be another triumph. Her unforgettable first day—meeting the queen without knowing it—exemplifies the genuine spirit that makes Bridgerton special.