Successful author JK Rowling received just 10 mentions in the Harry Potter 20th anniversary reunion special, Return to Hogwarts.
The author’s lack of appearance in the special show comes after the writer was embroiled in scandal over her controversial comments on transgender issues.
Some fans branded Rowling as ‘transphobic’ and called for her to be ‘cancelled’.
Before the show aired on Saturday, it was known she’d only appear in archive footage and in discussion with stars and cast.
After the special’s release, Rowling received just 10 mentions during the one-hour and 42-minute episode from HBO Max.
Fans have been shocked at her minimal appearance in the 20th-anniversary show, with many highlighting the worldwide franchise wouldn’t exist without her seven books.
(Image: Getty Images)
Christopher Columbus, who directed the first two movies, explained how he became involved in the films.
He says: “I had to fly to Edinburgh to meet Jo Rowling and I said “This is my vision of the movies” and she said she had the same.”
Ginny Weasley, played by Bonnie Wright, also mentioned JK and spoke of how people loved her books.
She said: “So many people were falling in love with her writing.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The author was spotted in archive footage of her signing the first book at an event, and Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane opened up over Rowling helped people fall in love with books again in the early Noughties.
The only footage of the writer speaking herself and not being mentioned is taken from a 2019 interview which is repeatedly serialised.
She is seen discussing the uphill struggle to find an actor to play Harry when casting the first film, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.
(Image: Warner Bros.)
She also spoke of seeing the set for the first time and said it was “mind-blowing”.
The Mail reports Rowling herself opted not to be featured in the show and the decision wasn’t down to the show’s producers.
It comes after her statements on transgender issues were slammed as ‘transphobic’ by loyal fans.
The writer says she respects “every trans person’s rights to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.”
Rowling was reportedly approached about filming new footage for the reunion special, but she and her team believed the 2019 interview would be enough.
Stay up to date with the latest news in Showbiz and follow your favourite celebrities by signing up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
