Why Bridgerton Star Refused to Reach Her Harry Potter Replacement Unlike Daniel Radcliffe

Former Harry Potter star explains why she won’t contact the potential Cho Chang actress in the HBO reboot, unlike Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.

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Now that HBO is rebooting the Harry Potter series in a brand-new TV format, fans are watching closely to see how the original cast reacts. After all, a few original stars from the films have already shared kind letters and support for the young stars stepping into their iconic roles.

However, Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the original films, has taken a slightly different approach. Although HBO has yet to hire an actress for the role she previously donned in the films, Leung told The Wrap that she won’t be reaching out first, unlike her fellow colleagues. 

I don’t know. I don’t want to underestimate her holding her own. If she came to me for advice, then I would be very happy to give it. She should just have tons of fun. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I hope she remembers to have fun.

Leung said she believes the new actor should be trusted to find her own way, and that’s why she won’t be tapping into an unnecessary mentor role, adding further pressure on the new actress. Especially after her own experience wasn’t all too good, Katie Leung simply urged the young actress (whoever will play Cho Chang) to enjoy her time on the set. 

The table contains basic details on the Harry Potter films:

Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint Support New Harry Potter Stars

Meanwhile, even though Katie Leung refused to reach out to her younger counterpart who’s set to step into the role, her former co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint were quick to show kindness when HBO revealed the new Golden Trio. Both actors chose to reach out personally and share words of encouragement. 

Radcliffe said on GMA, 

I just wanted to write to him to say, ‘I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did — I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time’. I just see these pictures of him and the other kids and I just want to hug them. 

Grint told BBC,

It was really just wishing him all the best with it. I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience. 

Knowing better than anyone how overwhelming it can be to step into such famous roles at a young age, Radcliffe said he wanted the new Harry Potter actor to enjoy the experience even more than he did. The actor further addressed how magical the journey was for him, and how protective he feels toward the new cast. 

Additionally, even Grint shared similar feelings. He said his message was simple and heartfelt, wishing the new Ron Weasley actor nothing but joy. For both actors, it seems the goal was not to give advice but to offer comfort and reassurance before the pressure fully begins on the set of the HBO reboot. 

Katie Leung Embraces Wicked Stepmother Role in Netflix’s Bridgerton 

After navigating the Wizarding World as Cho Chang, Katie Leung is currently enjoying a very different kind of role in Season 4 Part 1 of Netflix’s Bridgerton. In the latest season, she plays a cold and controlling stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun, Countess of Penwood, which is a sharp contrast to her gentle Harry Potter character. 

The role has allowed her to explore darker emotions and show a new side of her acting. Naturally, speaking with The Wrap, Leung spoke warmly about her time on the Bridgerton set. She described the environment as welcoming and supportive, proving that successful shows do not need tension behind the scenes. 

Sometimes they say, ‘this actor didn’t get on with this other actor, but … that’s the key to a really good scene’ … and I’m just like, ‘No, no, it doesn’t need to be like that’. We can all get along within the workplace and also work really well together and strive for the same thing. We can kind of succeed all the same with that mindset. 

For her, this positive workplace experience was refreshing, especially after her past struggles following her Harry Potter role. Turns out, speaking with Variety, she reflected on the harsh racist backlash she faced after being cast as Cho Chang in Goblet of Fire. Leung further revealed how it deeply affected her mental health. 

So now, that history explains why she now values kindness and low-pressure spaces like that in Bridgerton. It also explains why she wants young actors to enjoy their journey without extra expectations or stress.

Do you think Katie Leung must send a supportive letter to the new Cho Chang actress or is her decision best? Let us know in the comments. 

Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix. Harry Potter films are streaming on HBO Max. 

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