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Banned
‘Harry Potter’ Retrospective to Feature Cast — But No J.K. Rowling
The 20th anniversary special will stream Jan. 1 on HBO Max.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
The Harry Potter stars and filmmaker Chris Columbus are reuniting for the previously announced 20th anniversary retrospective on HBO Max. But there’s one notable omission from the list of participants: creator J.K. Rowling.
WarnerMedia on Tuesday announced that the special will feature the franchise’s central trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who will be joined by Columbus and appearances by other alums including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart, among others.
The release made no mention of Rowling when listing those participating in the retrospective. While Harry Potter remains a beloved franchise, Rowling sparked backlash from the trans community after saying that transgender individuals should be defined by their biological sex. Sources close to the project note that the retrospective will focus on the creation of the film and the central cast/team. Rowling will, however, be featured in archival footage. She will not make a new appearance in the special.
WB will still pay Rowling to write their garbage Fantastic Beast prequels, but they won't include her on a HBO reunion special because someone on Twitter will cry.