Overview

• The first two films' director told The Times a return with the original cast, including any Cursed Child film, is "never going to happen" because cast views differ from J.K. Rowling's.
• Columbus said he has not spoken to Rowling in about a decade but remains in close contact with Daniel Radcliffe and other former child stars.
• He described Rowling's stance on transgender issues as "very sad" and said he tries to separate the artist from the art, noting he does not agree with her views.
• Several key actors, including Radcliffe and Emma Watson, previously issued statements supporting trans people, underscoring divisions that complicate any reunion.
• HBO's reimagined series with an all-new cast is proceeding, with CEO Casey Bloys saying Rowling was involved in selecting creative leads yet her views have not affected casting or hiring.