Could this be any more disappointing? Matthew Perry is unable to take part in the latest reunion of the Friends TV show cast. NBC had announced that all six cast members would take part in a special tribute to prolific director, James Burrows.

The Wrap reports Perry has a professional commitment, in London. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer are still expected to be part of the Burrows special.

From The Wrap:

“Matthew will not be attending NBC’s James Burrows Tribute as he is in London in rehearsal for his play, ‘The End of Longing.’ Previews start on February 2 at the Playhouse Theatre,” Perry’s publicist Lisa Kasteler said. “NBC executives were aware of this prior to their TCA announcement. In other words, this will not be the reunion everyone has been hoping for.”

NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced the reunion, which will be part of a tribute to director James Burrows, on Wednesday.

“I shouldn’t go into detail,” Greenblatt said. “I’m hoping that all six of them will be there in the same room at the same time. I don’t know if logistically we can pull that off.” NBC reality chief Paul Telegdy added that all the cast members would be involved in some form.

Kasteler’s statement seems rather strongly worded. Does Telegdy’s additional comment leave wiggle room for Perry to pre-record a congratulatory message to Burrows?

What do you think? Were you hoping for a full reunion of the Friends cast?