'Friends' Reunion Is No More: Not All Cast Members Returning for February Special

So no one's told you life was gonna be this way -- that there's going to be a sad realization of a "reunion," not being much of one at all.

According to Variety, news of the cast members of "Friends" returning for a two-hour special may not be the ultimate reunion after all, as a crucial character will be missing. Matthew Perry won't be able to make it to the special dedication for the career of their veteran director James Burrows.

Burrows directed about fifteen episodes for the show, including "The One Where Ross and Rachel Take A Break," undoubtedly one of the most memorable ones. Cast members from other shows he's directed -- "The Bob Newhart Show," "Frasier," "Will & Grace" among them -- are also expected to appear in the special, although there hasn't been any confirmation yet.

Variety also said that while all six stars are expected to participate in the special, Perry, who is currently in London for play rehearsals, will not tape with the rest of the gang, and is expected to contribute a taped segment instead.

His rep Lisa Kasteler said in a statement as per Time, "Matthew will not be attending as he is in London in rehearsals for his play, "The End of Longing," which begins previews on Feb. 2 at the playhouse Theatre."

She also said that the execs already knew this prior the announcement, saying that "NBC executives were aware of this prior to their TCA announcement [Wednesday]. . .Matthew may tape something for the tribute. In other words, this will not be the reunion people have been hoping for."

Meanwhile, NBC network president Bob Greenblatt said that details of the cast reunion are still being ironed out, although he did admit he wanted the cast to be "in the same room at the same time," but admitted that they may not be able to pull it off.

"Friends," the sitcom that changed the game for comedies, ran for ten seasons, and ended in 2004. According to Time, it's high time that the reunion pushes through, considering that fans have been lobbying to have all six cast members together again. Along with Perry, the show boasted of talents that included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

Perry's absence could open doors to new possibilities regarding the "Friends" stories twelve years later: is Chandler abroad for a business meeting? Did he follow in his father's footsteps and became a cross-dresser? Did he and Monica break up? The possibilities are vast, if not endless.

What do you think producers will do with Perry's absence in the special?