At a Glance
- Katie Leung joins Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4 as Lady Araminta Gao, the cruel stepmother in the Cinderella-style subplot.
- Leung had never watched the series before being cast, which led to a surprising first encounter with a future co-star.
- Season 4 premieres Part 1 on Jan. 29 and Part 2 on Feb. 26.
- Why it matters: Leung’s transition illustrates how a fresh face can fit seamlessly into an established ensemble, and her experience highlights the collaborative culture behind the show.
The fourth season of Netflix’s period drama Bridgerton is set to return with new twists and familiar faces. Katie Leung, the actress best known for her role in the Harry Potter films, will make her regency-era debut as Lady Araminta Gao, the wicked stepmother in a Cinderella-inspired story that unfolds between housemaid Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). Leung’s entry into the series was marked by a quirky first meeting and a supportive on-set environment.
Joining the Cast
Leung, 38, told News Of Los Angeles that she had not watched the show before I got the part. The fact that she was unfamiliar with the series turned out to be an advantage. During the fitting process, she met Golda [Rosheuvel] in the makeup room, who was having a big wig fitted. Leung had no idea who Rosheuvel was at the time.
> “She just was like, ‘Oh, hi Katie,’ and she was just super casual and lovely. And she asked me if I was nervous, and I was like, ‘No, not nervous.'”
When Leung later began watching Season 1, she was surprised to discover that Rosheuvel was the queen of the show.
> “It wasn’t until afterwards – when I started watching season 1 – I was like, ‘Oh my f—ing God, she’s the queen!'”
She added that not having seen the series beforehand meant she “couldn’t have been nervous and starstruck.” The unexpected encounter, however, turned into a “funny story” that set a light-hearted tone for her future work.
Welcoming Atmosphere
Leung said the first day on set felt almost like “the first day of school,” but she quickly overcame that initial awkwardness. She credited the welcoming environment for easing her transition.
> “Everybody was so welcoming just from the get-go. It just felt super seamless.”
She also noted that she wasn’t the only newcomer that season. 28-year-old Yerin Ha had just joined as Sophie Baek, and Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei, who play Leung’s on-screen daughters Rosamund and Posy, were also new.
> “I think it really helped that I wasn’t the only one joining, there was a team of us, and we met up for HotPot before it all started, so that helped as well.”
The camaraderie among the new cast members fostered a collaborative atmosphere that allowed Leung to focus on her performance rather than on acclimating to the set.
Season 4 Focus
Season 4 centers on Benedict Bridgerton, the family’s “bohemian second son,” who is “loath to settle down” despite his older brother’s happy marriages. The plot takes a turn when Benedict “meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball,” according to the official logline.
The season also brings back a core group of returning stars: Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Hannah Dodd, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, and Simone Ashley. New additions include Florence Hunt, Will Tilston, Victor Alli, Adjoa Andoh, Masali Baduza, and Daniel Francis.
Cast Overview
| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Bailey | Colin Bridgerton | Returning lead |
| Nicola Coughlan | Penelope Bridgerton | Returning lead |
| Luke Newton | Anthony Bridgerton | Returning lead |
| Hannah Dodd | Kate Bridgerton | Returning lead |
| Claudia Jessie | Eloise Bridgerton | Returning lead |
| Ruth Gemmell | Lady Danbury | Returning lead |
| Simone Ashley | Lady Danvers | Returning lead |
| Yerin Ha | Sophie Baek | New character |
| Michelle Mao | Rosamund Li | New character |
| Isabella Wei | Posy Li | New character |
| Katie Leung | Lady Araminta Gao | New character |
| Golda Rosheuvel | Queen Charlotte | Supporting role |
| Florence Hunt | New addition | |
| Will Tilston | New addition | |
| Victor Alli | New addition | |
| Adjoa Andoh | New addition | |
| Masali Baduza | New addition | |
| Daniel Francis | New addition |
Premiere Dates
- Part 1 premieres on Jan. 29 on Netflix.
- Part 2 follows on Feb. 26.
The split-part release continues the strategy used in previous seasons, giving audiences a two-week intermission that builds anticipation.
Key Takeaways
- Katie Leung brings fresh energy to Bridgerton as Lady Araminta Gao, a role that adds a new layer to the show’s family dynamics.
- Her lack of prior exposure to the series allowed her to approach the role with an outsider’s curiosity, leading to a memorable first encounter with Golda Rosheuvel.
- The supportive environment and group of new cast members helped Leung transition smoothly, illustrating the importance of camaraderie on set.
- Season 4’s focus on Benedict’s romantic journey and the introduction of a Cinderella-style subplot promise fresh storylines for returning fans.
- Viewers can catch the new season in two parts, with Part 1 debuting on Jan. 29 and Part 2 on Feb. 26.
With its blend of familiar faces and new characters, Bridgerton Season 4 is poised to deliver both continuity and innovation, and Katie Leung’s debut as Lady Araminta Gao is a key element of that evolution.
