Bridgerton's New Matriarch: Leung's Powerful Return

Katie Leung, celebrated for her early role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, is now making waves as a compelling matriarch in the latest season of Netflix's Bridgerton. Leung embraces her role as Lady Araminta Gun, a character driven by fierce maternal protection, a significant departure from the online abuse she faced early in her career. This experience has taught her valuable lessons in maintaining distance from negativity and focusing on her craft.

Leung's portrayal of Araminta, a widowed aristocrat seeking advantageous marriages for her daughters while mistreating her stepdaughter, delves into the complexities of maternal love and protection. She notes that the showrunners aimed to explore Araminta's humanity and motivations, assuring Leung that the character was not intended to be a one-dimensional villain. Leung, now a mother herself, finds this drive for her character relatable and understandable.

Reflecting on her journey, Leung expresses gratitude for the familiar yet evolved experience of joining a massive production like Bridgerton. Having navigated the intense scrutiny of the Harry Potter franchise and its coinciding rise of social media, she has developed a healthier perspective on fame. This has allowed her to pursue roles like Araminta, where she can explore nuanced family dynamics and showcase her growth as an actor.