When the Harry Potter Anniversary Reunion Special aired, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, became a significant event for fans of the franchise around the world. Released on January 1, 2022 on Max (then called HBO Max), the special celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first chapter of the film saga. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was also the first Harry Potter content released since Deathly Hallows Part 2 that wasn’t a movie. Fantastic Beasts.
For the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter, the three main actors of the franchise met: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint And Emma WatsonMany of the veteran core cast, producer David Heyman and the film’s four directors return to recount their experiences and fondest memories while making the epic series. From behind-the-scenes footage to intimate conversations between friends, the special featured many interesting revelations and was an incredibly emotional experience for fans of the series. However, there was one important person who was noticeably absent from the special: J.K. Rowlingauthor of the series Harry Potter.
JK Rowling did not want to participate in the Harry Potter anniversary special
J.K. Rowling she did not participate in the Harry Potter anniversary special: her only appearance in Return to Hogwarts consists of 30 seconds of archival footage taken from interviews given in 2019. It has been suggested that the reason for Rowling’s absence was due to her anti-trans views. published on the Internet, which caused a massive backlash against the author.
However, it was revealed that Rowling was invited to take part in the Harry Potter anniversary special, but declined the invitation and stated that her archival footage was sufficient. According to an interview with Graham Norton on Virgin Radio UK, Rowling said: “I thought we were talking more about the films than the books, and rightly so, and that’s what the anniversary was about. Nobody told me not to do it… I was asked to do it and I decided not to do it.” (via Deadline).
What did the Harry Potter cast say about Rowling’s controversy?
Many Harry Potter actors have publicly spoken out against Rowling’s comments about the trans community. For example, Bonnie Wrightwhich he played Ginny Weasleywrote in a 2020 tweet: “If Harry Potter was your source of love and belonging, then that love is endless and can be accepted without judgment or question. Transsexuals are women. I see you and I love you, Bonnie X.” However, other members of the Harry Potter cast, such as actress Luna Lovegood Evanna Lynchdefended Rowling, asking critics to show her more grace.
Despite controversy over JK Rowling’s views, many Harry Potter actors continued to publicly support the series’ trans fans, especially Rowling herself. Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe. In a statement to The Trevor Project, Radcliffe wrote: “If you believe that a particular character is transgender, non-binary or gender fluid, gay or bisexual; If you found something in these stories that touched you and helped you at any point in your life, then it is about you and the book you are reading, and that is sacred.” (via The Trevor Project). It’s these characters, and the actors who bring them to life, that make Harry Potter so special to fans.