J.K. Rowling not in 'Return to Hogwarts' reunion for this reported reason

"Harry Potter" has become synonymous with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, but the iconic and record-breaking film franchise couldn't have existed without J.K. Rowling's novels.

Even so, Rowling does not appear in HBO Max's "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" reunion special, according to Entertainment Weekly, and instead will only be represented through 2019 archival footage.

"An invitation was extended to Rowling to participate, but her team determined the archived comments from the writer were adequate," EW relayed. "Sources close to the situation say Rowling's statements about trans people and the controversy swirling around them did not play a part in the team's decision."

Rowling tweeted disparaging commentary about transgender people in early June 2020, followed by this lengthy blog post defending her stances and sharing she is a sexual assault survivor. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, among other Harry Potter stars, publicly expressed their unwavering support of the trans community in response. A full timeline of the controversy can be found here.

As for Return to Hogwarts, this is who and what you can expect:

"Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson join filmmaker Chris Columbus and other esteemed cast members across all eight Harry Potter films as they travel back to Hogwarts for the first time to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film, 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,' which premiered 20 years ago today. "The retrospective special 'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts' will tell an enchanting 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. Alumni of the film franchise will join the memorable tribute, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, and Evanna Lynch, among others. 'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts' 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 and its indelible impact on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of families and fans around the world."