AceShowbiz - J. K. Rowling was not snubbed from "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" despite her controversial remarks on transgender. In fact, it's her team's decision that she will not appear in the HBO Max special.

The author of the massively popular "Harry Potter" books, on which the film franchise is based, will not join the cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, for the reunion special. She also doesn't sit down for a new interview to talk about adapting the books into the movies. Instead, she will only appear through archival footage from 2019.

As the reason for her absence was not provided, fans began to speculate that her transphobic comments might play a role in the decision. EW, however, has now reported that it's not the case.

According to the site, an invitation was extended to Rowling to participate, but her team determined that the archived comments from the writer were adequate for "Return to Hogwarts". Sources close to the situation additionally note that Rowling's statements about trans people and the controversy swirling around them did not play a part in the team's decision.

"Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" will premiere on HBO Max on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022. The retrospective special 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.

In addition to the main trio, the special will feature stars Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Mark Williams, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch and Ian Hart as well as director David Yates.