IN CONVERSATION WITH ISABELLA WEI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Hong Kong–born actress Isabella Wei is stepping into her most visible role yet as Posy Li in the upcoming fourth season of ‘Bridgerton’. Joining the newly introduced Penwood family, a fresh twist on the Cinderella myth, she plays the warm-hearted, endearingly outspoken stepsister to Sophie Baek, bringing levity and humanity to a world of social ambition and intrigue. With a background in dance and a growing list of screen credits that includes ‘1899’, ‘Black Doves’, ‘The Crow’, and the upcoming indie feature ‘High Wire’, Isabella is fast emerging as one of the most exciting new talents to watch as she bridges prestige television, film, and physical performance with ease.

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What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be joining the ‘Bridgerton’universe?

I was actually in New York with my dad for ‘The Crow’ premiere when I found out I was cast. I ran up to his hotel room early in the morning and frantically pounded on his door, then we FaceTimed the family together and squealed and screamed. I just couldn’t believe it had actually happened, after months of auditioning and waiting. I was so ecstatic.

Posy is known for being chatty and a little too honest. What did you enjoy most about playing someone so unapologetically open?

What I enjoyed most was the freedom I had to play around with Posy’s quirks and just have fun with her. I think that was the main thing, I got to have so much fun. Because of Posy’s carefree nature, I approached my portrayal of her differently from how I have done in the past. I told myself not to overthink the intricate details of my performance, worry about perfecting each take, or whether or not something wrong. Posy’s enthusiasm and openness are what make her unapologetically herself, and I feel so privileged to help craft those moments of joy that come from her. 

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How does Posy’s kindness and social awkwardness set her apart in a world built on restraint, etiquette, and ambition?

To her family, she stands out like a sore thumb. Her proclivity for imperfection drives her mother and sister away from her, so I think there’s a part of her that always feels a little trapped and lesser-than. Despite being constantly put down for being herself, she brings a cheerful sincerity to her otherwise highly restrained environment. She leads with her heart, not her head, which is the biggest difference between her and the stringent rules of society, but also her greatest strength.

What was it like stepping onto such an established set with a deeply devoted fanbase already watching closely?

It was daunting, of course, wanting to meet people’s expectations for a series that is so flourishing and established. Posy is such a beloved character in the books, so I really wanted to honor that and bring to life all the qualities people love about her. All of the cast and crew have been incredibly supportive, and so has the existing fanbase, so hopefully I can make them proud.

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‘Bridgerton’ is known for reimagining period drama through a modern, inclusive lens. What does being part of that world mean to you?

I would never have imagined seeing myself in a British Regency show, let alone alongside so many incredibly talented people of color. Growing up, the mere possibility of such a thing wouldn’t have even crossed my mind, but ‘Bridgerton’ actively pushes the boundaries of what is known as “possible”. I feel so honored to be part of a show that has diversity at its core, and demonstrates that people of any color and background belong in a world of ballgowns, elegance, desire and love. 

You also star in ‘High Wire’, which follows a young woman whose life opens up after encountering a traveling circus. What drew you to Go-Wing’s story?

What drew me to Go-Wing was her determination. She did everything in her power, given her circumstances, to make her dream a reality, which I found super inspiring. What she was experiencing was so unique, and that seemed like a fun challenge. She had a lot of charisma and swagger, and at the same time, a subdued sort of shyness that made her complexities really stand out to me.

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The film explores wonder, freedom, and possibility. How did you tap into that emotional openness as a performer?

The emotional openness felt natural to tap into because of my experience as a dancer. I remember every time I was on stage, there would be a moment when I felt completely free, almost in a dream state. The physical nature of this role allowed me to revisit all those responses, just this time in front of a camera rather than an audience. 

You originally trained as a dancer with the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. How does that physical training shape your approach to acting?

My dance training has definitely influenced how I process direction. Remembering notes and blocking is like learning choreography to me, which makes retaining complex technical details much more manageable. In my acting, I find I’m naturally drawn to the energy between performers and how subtle shifts in body language can transform a scene. Expressing myself through movement has taught me to generate a performance's emotion internally, before expressing it physically, with or without words or dialogue. 

From ‘1899’ to ‘Black Doves’ to ‘The Crow’, your roles have been incredibly varied. What do you look for when choosing a project?

I’d say I look for projects that excite me and that I admire, even in the early stages. Projects that I would love to watch as a viewer, and characters that will challenge me in new ways. I am quite an intuitive thinker, so projects that feel good in my gut are always projects that I will be gunning for. 

With ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘High Wire’ both arriving soon, what kind of stories or characters are you hoping to explore next?

I would love to do more physical roles. Whether that be dancing, fighting, or other stunt work. I loved the physicality of ‘High Wire’, and the opportunity to be challenged in that way would be super fulfilling. I would also love to voice an animation one day. I was obsessed with Disney/Pixar films when I was younger, and am still obsessed, so something in that realm would be a dream come true. 

At this moment in your career, what feels most exciting, and what feels most grounding?

I’m at a point where everyone is telling me things are going to change, and life will get crazy. It’s a really nerve-wracking thought, one that’s hard to ignore, but the prospect of telling beautiful, powerful stories and working with artists that I admire feels really exciting. At the same time, things can easily not go the way you had hoped, especially in this industry where you never really know what’s next. What feels most grounding to me is that regardless of what happens throughout my career, who I am at heart will always stay the same. To my closest friends, who have known me since I was a kid, and to my family, I’ll always be the same girl. No matter how crazy or un-crazy life becomes, I know who I am to them and to myself. That feels nice. 

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ISABELLA WEI
photography JORGE FOLEY
styling RHEA FRANCOIS at the Only Agency
makeup NEIL YOUNG at A-Frame Agency
hair SKY CRIPPS-JACKSON at the Wall Group
styling assistance HANNAH MILL and CHLOE DOWSON
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA