Why JK Rowling will not feature in Harry Potter 20 year reunion Return to Hogwarts

JK Rowling will not be invited to the Harry Potter reunion that celebrates the 20 year anniversary of the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise are ecstatic as it has been announced that Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint will all be reuniting on our screens once again to celebrate the movie that kickstarted an iconic film franchise.

HBO Max announced on social media that the cast would be reuniting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first film with a television episode titled, 'Return to Hogwarts.' However, one key creator behind the series is notably absent from the lineup.

The author of the Harry Potter books, JK Rowling was notably not mentioned in this trailer and will not be in attendance at this event. It is thought, however, that will be making an appearance in old video footage from the set, but she will not be appearing in any new footage with returning cast members.

Although the studio has not explained why the author of the beloved series has not been involved in the celebration of the film, the controversy surrounding the author could be a clear indication.

Last year, J.K. Rowling publicly made statements against transgender people and was labeled a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist). 

This led members of the Harry Potter cast including Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger) and Bonnie Wright (who played Ginny Weasley) to make statements against the author and her exclusionary statements.

"Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are," said Emma Watson on social media

"If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x" said Bonnie on Twitter.

Another actor who will sadly not be returning to this anniversary is Alan Rickman who played Severus Snape. Sadly the actor died in 2016 so will not be returning with other cast members to discuss one of his most well-known roles.

Helen McCrory who played Draco's mother Narcissa Malfoy will also not be returning to this reunion. Sadly the actress died in April 2021 after suffering from cancer.

In anticipation of this film, Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics has spoken to The Hollywood Reporter about the upcoming premiere.

“It has been an incredible journey since the debut of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone film, and witnessing how it has evolved into this remarkable interconnected universe has been magical, to say the least,” said Tom.

"This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by this cultural phenomenon—from the talented cast and crew who poured their heart and soul into this extraordinary film franchise to the passionate fans who continue to keep the Wizarding World spirit alive 20 years later.”

Return to Hogwarts airs on New Years Day, Tuesday, 1 January 2022, on HBO Max.