Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies, said a reunion with the original cast is “never going to happen” due to author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans stances.
The filmmaker has previously expressed interest in a film adaptation of the Broadway play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with the cast of the beloved franchise, but has since scrapped his plans because it’s gotten too “complicated.”
“It’s never going to happen,” Columbus recently told The Times U.K. “It’s gotten so complicated with all the political stuff. Everyone in the cast has their own opinion, which is different from her opinion, which makes it impossible.”
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to Rowling’s reps for comment.
Rowling has been criticized in recent years for her transphobia, as she’s been outspoken on social media against the trans rights movement. Earlier this year, she also celebrated the U.K. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that trans women should not be recognized as women and that “sex” should legally mean biological sex.
Columbus, who helmed 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, has previously publicly said he disagrees with the author’s controversial views. He added to The Times U.K., “I haven’t spoken to Miss Rowling in a decade or so, so I have no idea what’s going on with her.”
As for the original cast, which includes Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, the filmmaker said he’s still quite close with them. “I keep very close contact with Daniel Radcliffe and I just spoke to him a few days ago,” he said. “I still have a great relationship with all the kids in the cast.”
Rowling can’t say the same, as the author previously stated she would not forgive those who have supported trans healthcare, including Harry Potter stars Grint, Watson and Radcliffe. In response, the latter said Rowling’s comments make “me really sad.”