Life After Hogwarts – What Happened Next?
Taking A Break From The Spotlight
After the final Harry Potter movie in 2011, Katie took a step back. Fame had come fast, and instead of diving headfirst into more roles, she made a bold move — she went back to school and focused on personal growth.
Studying Art and Photography
Katie has always been creative. After acting, she pursued studies in art and photography. She enrolled at Edinburgh College of Art and later studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, proving her talents go far beyond the screen.
Did Katie Leung Quit Acting?
The Answer Might Surprise You
Nope — she didn’t quit. In fact, she was quietly working on stage and television, sharpening her skills and building her career in a more grounded, thoughtful way.
Her Theatre Work — A Hidden Gem
Stage Over Screen
Katie appeared in several critically acclaimed theatre productions, including:
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Wild Swans
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The World of Extreme Happiness
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Snow in Midsummer
These roles allowed her to show serious acting chops that many Potter fans never got to see.
Why Theatre?
Theatre gave her the creative freedom she craved. It’s raw, real, and full of emotion — exactly what she needed to explore deeper, more complex characters.
So, Is This Her First Big Role Since Harry Potter?
Let’s Talk About “Arcane”
If you watched Netflix’s Arcane, the League of Legends inspired series, you might have heard a familiar voice. That’s right — Katie Leung voiced Caitlyn Kiramman, one of the show’s key characters. And guess what? She crushed it.
Arcane’s Global Success
Arcane wasn’t just a hit. It blew up globally, gaining critical acclaim, millions of viewers, and a cult-like fanbase. This made her role as Caitlyn one of her biggest and most influential performances to date.
Breaking Into TV – BBC and Beyond
Leading Role in ‘Annika’
In 2021, Katie starred alongside Nicola Walker in the hit BBC crime drama Annika. She played DC Blair Ferguson, showcasing a fresh and modern detective persona — a far cry from Hogwarts.
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just another gig. Annika gave Katie the chance to step into a leading TV role, showing her range and proving that she’s far from a one-role wonder.
Recent Projects You Might Have Missed
The Chemistry of Death (2023)
Katie appeared in the Paramount+ series The Chemistry of Death, continuing her streak of gritty, dramatic television roles.
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
Yes, she was in that too — in a small but notable part that connected her with another iconic piece of British cinema.
What Has Katie Leung Said About Fame?
Speaking Out About Racism
Katie has been open about the racism she faced after her Harry Potter role, revealing the harsh realities of fame at a young age. Her honesty and advocacy for diversity in film have made her a respected voice in the industry.
Reinventing Herself – And Winning
Katie’s not just an actress anymore — she’s a storyteller, a visual artist, a voice actor, and a powerful advocate. Her journey shows that success isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s in the quiet evolution behind the scenes.
So, Is This Really Her First Major Role Since Harry Potter?
Not quite. But is it the most high-profile, career-defining, and massively watched role since then?
Absolutely.
Whether it’s Arcane, Annika, or her powerful stage work, Katie Leung has quietly built a resume filled with depth, range, and impact.
Conclusion: Katie Leung Is More Than Just Cho Chang
Katie Leung is a powerhouse — and while she’ll always be remembered as Cho Chang, she’s carved out a career that’s much more than that. From emotional stage performances to a Netflix sensation and BBC drama queen, she’s shown that her talent is real, deep, and growing stronger with time.
So, is this her first major role since Harry Potter? Maybe not the first — but definitely the one where the world is finally watching her again.
