Harry Potter: Return To Hogwarts: Fans React To JK Rowling's Surprise Appearance In Reunion

Among the overwhelming response that Harry Potter fans had to the highly emotional Return To Hogwarts HBO special, people had a lot to say about JK Rowling's surprise appearance.

We're all still drying our eyes after tuning in to the 20th anniversary reunion that premiered on New Year's Day, but between the floods of tears, Potterheads couldn't help but comment when the author appeared on their TV screens.

Many were convinced that Return To Hogwarts would distance itself from Rowling entirely, following the serious controversy she has been subject to in recent years after expressing views that many have perceived to be transphobic.

However, despite her notable absence from all advertising for the Harry Potter special, the Hogwarts creator did feature - albeit rather briefly.

HBO Max)

While Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and our favourite fellow cast members returned to the Warner Bros filmset to reflect on the magical world they created for the big screen, JK Rowling only featured in archival interview footage recorded back in 2019.

Across the two hour special, HBO features Rowling for a grand total of 30 seconds - each time making it crystal clear that the footage was filmed before she fell out of favour with Harry Potter fans and the wider public.

After airing her more controversial views on transgender issues, she faced immediate backlash and was accused of spreading dangerous, transphobic views.

Harry Potter stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, and Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne quickly released statements in support of the transgender community.

HBO)

Watching Return To Hogwarts over the weekend, fans couldn't help but notice that HBO had done everything in their power to distance themselves from the Harry Potter creator.

One viewer tweeted: "Everytime JK Rowling is on screen they're like 'filmed in 2019 mate.'"

Another fan added: "Nah I'm crying... cuz this Harry Potter special keeps letting us know that JK Rowling was filmed in 2019. They don't want anything to do with her."

Twitter)

Some viewers admitted that they were disappointed that Rowling wasn't more involved in the celebration of the franchise she created.

One fan of the film series commented: "Controversial opinion: JK Rowling should have been more involved in the #HarryPotter20thAnniversary #ReturnToHogwarts. Without Rowling, none of the Harry Potter universe would exist. She needs to be recognised and celebrated for her brilliant imagination of this world."

A second viewer tweeted: "I really enjoyed the #HarryPotter20thAnniversary but it bothers me so much that @jk_rowling was not a part of it..."

Twitter)

However, many Potterheads were thrilled that Rowling's appearances were so rare throughout the special.

One fan commented: "My favourite part of the #HarryPotter20thAnniversary special was that JK Rowling was only included from an interview from 2019 that they made clear was filmed for something else. The joy that brought me is unmatched."

Another tweeted: "Favourite parts of the Harry Potter reunion: 1. JK Rowling not being invited to it. 2. Helena Bonham Carter. 3. Helena Bonham Carter."

"I like how the Harry Potter reunion tried to cast Forgeticus on JK Rowling," joked a third.

Twitter)

Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts is available to watch on Sky Max and NOW.

Topics: TV And Film, Harry Potter, JK Rowling

Ali Condon

Ali is a journalist for LADbible Group, writing on all things film, music, and entertainment across Tyla, LADbible and UNILAD. You can contact Ali at [email protected].

@alicondon