The HBO Max Harry Potter reunion brought back most of the franchise’s main cast and crew for a 20th anniversary special. However, the one person whose absence was evident was the creator of the Wizarding World herself, JK Rowling.
As anyone keeping up with the latest on Harry Potter knows, the author has constantly been in the headlines for expressing controversial opinions on the trans community.
Although the special features archival footage of Rowling and new clips of the cast members talking about the author’s influence and her books’ legacy, it was assumed that HBO Max was steering clear of her to avoid getting involved in the controversy.
Now, a piece by Entertainment Weekly has revealed that Rowling was in fact invited to join the special, but her team declined, adding that old footage from 2019 would suffice.
However, sources close to the matter have revealed that Rowling’s controversial statements did not influence the decision.
Rowling has repeatedly stated that she’s not transphobic; regardless, the author’s ideology has been labeled as associated with the TERF movement. The author recently wrote a piece further elaborating her stance on the matter, which was met with equal amounts of criticism and support.
Many of the franchise’s actors, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne, have expressed their support of the trans community. On the other hand, some cast members like Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, and Evanna Lynch have defended Rowling, calling the backlash disturbing.
The article also states that Rowling’s representative declined to comment on the matter.
Despite what’s happening with Rowling, the wizarding world keeps on expanding further with the recent game show and other spin-offs. A few days ago, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore got its first trailer and poster, exploring more of Albus Dumbledore’s past.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere on HBO Max at 12 a.m. PT on New Year’s Day.
About Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
HBO Max’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is a retrospective special that will tell the making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.
Filmmaker Chris Columbus will be joined by cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, among others.
The special will honor the magic behind the making of the films and the beautiful family created at Warner Bros. Studios London two decades ago. It will also celebrate the unparalleled legacy of the Harry Potter film franchise.
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