Katie Leung Transforms from Harry Potter to Bridgerton Villain
Over two decades after captivating audiences as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, actress Katie Leung has embarked on a dramatic new chapter in her career. The Scottish performer, now 38, has joined the lavish world of Netflix's Bridgerton, taking on the role of Lady Araminta Gun in the show's highly anticipated fourth season.
Embracing the Antagonist: A Nuanced Performance
In a recent interview, Leung opened up about her experience portraying what many are calling the new villain of the Regency-era drama. "It's super fun, obviously, and it's something very different from anything that I've ever done before," she revealed. "I think it's every actor's dream to play the villain, to be honest, but especially a villain that's really nuanced and has a lot of layers."
Lady Araminta enters the Bridgerton universe as a twice-widowed matriarch determined to secure advantageous marriages for her two debutante daughters, Rosamund and Posy. While she presents a formidable exterior, Leung emphasises the character's depth and complexity.
Beyond the Surface: Understanding Lady Araminta
"She's a complex character," Leung explained. "To have that backstory that she has that was readily available to me was great as well, because I didn't have to kind of do my own homework, in a way."
The actress delved into the motivations behind Lady Araminta's seemingly ruthless behaviour, highlighting the character's challenging circumstances. "It's very real. It's rooted in something that I'm sure a lot of people have experienced, being a single mum and trying to navigate having two teenage daughters, trying to sustain, maintain a reputation," Leung said.
She continued: "It's different nowadays, but back then, it was just imperative that you're 'keeping up with the Joneses'. Meanwhile, being traumatised by loved ones betraying you and being left behind, because she's twice widowed – there's a lot going on for her, and I think she's just trying to hold it together."
Visual Storytelling and Character Depth
The production design reinforces Lady Araminta's characterisation through deliberate visual choices. While her daughters appear in bright, ornate gowns, Lady Araminta herself is consistently dressed in all-black attire, creating a stark contrast that underscores her serious demeanour and the weight of her responsibilities.
"What you see is just on the surface," Leung noted about her character's presentation. "Whatever she's feeling inside, I'm sure is the opposite of how people perceive her to be, which is fun."
Audience Reception and Artistic Satisfaction
When asked about how viewers might respond to her character's villainous actions, Leung expressed a refreshing perspective. Rather than urging audiences to sympathise with Lady Araminta, she acknowledged that some viewers might find her irredeemable.
"I think it's okay if they go, 'No, not for me, she's unforgivable and she can't redeem herself.' That's okay with me too. And I don't think Araminta would care," the actress affirmed.
For Leung, the artistic satisfaction comes from authentically portraying the character's complexities. "As long as me, the actor, tries my best to convey those small moments of vulnerability that she has then that's really rewarding."
From Wizarding World to Regency Romance
This role marks a significant departure from Leung's breakthrough performance as the gentle Cho Chang in the Harry Potter franchise. Where that character represented youthful innocence and first love, Lady Araminta embodies mature calculation and social ambition within the competitive world of the Ton.
The transition demonstrates Leung's range as an actress, moving from the magical realms of Hogwarts to the equally intricate social hierarchies of Regency London. Her casting in Bridgerton season 4 represents both a career evolution and an opportunity to explore darker, more complex character territory.
Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premiered on Netflix on January 29, 2026, introducing viewers to Lady Araminta Gun and continuing the show's tradition of blending historical romance with contemporary sensibilities. Leung's performance adds another layer of intrigue to the already popular series, promising compelling drama as the season unfolds.
