Katie Leung Speaks Out on Asian Representation in Media

by · September 6, 2018

Katie Leung, best known to Harry Potter fans for her portrayal of Cho Chang in the film series, has spoken out about Asian representation in film and television after the success of Crazy Rich Asians and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

While Leung is pleased with the recent increase in representation, she hopes it’s here to stay.

I hope the increase in Asian representation in film and TV isn’t a blip. I think that America is probably doing slightly better in terms of diversity, but I like to think that [the UK is] getting somewhere in terms of representation.

In the 15 years that I have been acting, I have really yet to play a role that is not down to the color of my skin, so I can’t say that I have experienced anything like that yet, but I look forward to that day.

In the interview, the actress also discusses her upcoming role in ITV’s Strangers. The show follows Professor Jonah Mulray after he learns of his wife’s death in Hong Kong. When he arrives in the city to identify her body, he gets drawn into a web of conspiracy. Leung plays Lau Chen, a young activist protesting government corruption.

We’re used to seeing Asian females being a certain kind of type of character – demure, silent, dominated and all these kinds of connotations. So to have a role as dynamic and as headstrong as Lau is really incredible.

She’s got so many different layers to her; she is trying to discover her sexuality [and] meanwhile being an activist and going through dramatic experiences. It is a really unique situation to be in. When I read the script, it was a role I really wanted to fight for.

We always enjoy seeing Katie in new roles, so we look forward to watching her turn on Strangers – and share her hope that representation of all kinds continues to increase in the future. You can read the full article here.

Jessica J.

I've been making magic at MuggleNet since 2012, when I first joined the staff as a News intern. I've never wavered from the declaration in my childhood journal, circa October 2000: "I LOVE Harry Potter! If I clean my room, my mom says she'll make me a dinner a wizard would love!" Proud Gryffindor; don't hate.