One Tree Hill’s Sequel Series Is In The Works, And I Have 2 Big Concerns Involving Chad Michael Murray And Its Original Cast

One Tree Hill's Sequel Series Is In The Works, And I Have 2 Big Concerns Involving Chad Michael Murray And Its Original Cast

As a devoted fan who grew up with Tree Hill and its beloved characters, I must say I’m feeling a bit anxious about the potential return of Nathan and Haley, portrayed by James Lafferty and Bethany Joy Lenz respectively. You see, my life has been intertwined with these characters for so long that it feels like they’re part of my own family.


The idea of a follow-up series to One Tree Hill sounds captivating. It’s interesting that Peyton and Brooke are depicted living their lives in the present, with their children who were once teens, adding a new layer to their characters. Reconnecting with these two beloved figures is an appealing prospect. Nevertheless, I have some reservations about the absence of updates regarding Chad Michael Murray‘s and other original cast members’ participation in the series

When word first surfaced regarding the revival of One Tree Hill, Deadline announced that Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton would be involved as executive producers and reprising their roles as Brooke and Peyton. The pair subsequently shared emotional Instagram messages about returning to Tree Hill. Yet, it’s worth noting that no other original cast members have been confirmed for the series, with one significant absence reportedly not coming back. As a result, I do have some reservations concerning this reboot

One Tree Hill's Sequel Series Is In The Works, And I Have 2 Big Concerns Involving Chad Michael Murray And Its Original Cast

Chad Michael Murray’s Lucas Is Reportedly Not Coming Back. What Does That Mean For Lucas And Peyton? 

Sure thing!

It appears that Murray, who portrayed Lucas Scott over six seasons and made a cameo in Season 9, doesn’t have any intentions of reappearing in the upcoming continuation

Well, looks like we’re facing the harsh reality that they might not reunite if he’s truly not returning. To put it straight, it stinks

In the final episode of One Tree Hill, specifically Season 6, Episode 24 titled “Remember Me as a Time of Day,” Hilarie Burton’s character delivered their daughter, and then the pair with their newborn drove off towards the sunset. Later on, in Season 9, Murray returned to his role as Lucas in Episode 7. During this episode, he made it clear that he was still with Peyton by mentioning his partner and child while he spoke about them

They’re good. Well, they should be, they team up on me and get their way.

It’s clear that Peyton and Lucas remained a couple beyond Season 6, even though we didn’t see them on the show after that point. The thought of discovering in this upcoming series that they had parted ways or, even more distressingly, that Lucas met an untimely end, is heart-wrenching. Given the unpredictable nature of One Tree Hill, it’s not entirely implausible to consider such a twist. However, the idea that they aren’t together anymore is something I find hard to stomach

In the series One Tree Hill, they faced numerous hardships just to end up together. It seems unfair and contradictory to portray their divorce in this upcoming show. Moreover, considering their daughter Sawyer was born in 2009, she would be around 15 years old today if we assume the new show is set in present times. The drama that unfolds in One Tree Hill often revolves around Peyton and Lucas, but I hope their relationship doesn’t disintegrate by way of a divorce. After all, they have already been through so much hardship

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but echo Hilarie Burton’s sentiments that Peyton Sawyer hasn’t had many heartwarming moments, particularly in her final episode on One Tree Hill. Given how much I admire her character, it would be wonderful if she could experience some tender moments, maybe even through her relationship with Lucas

Of course, there are ways this could work without him, I mean they did make the show work for three more seasons after Murray and Burton left. However, it’s by no means the ideal situation.

One Tree Hill's Sequel Series Is In The Works, And I Have 2 Big Concerns Involving Chad Michael Murray And Its Original Cast

I Don’t Know How A Show In Tree Hill Could Work Without Bethany Joy Lenz And James Lafferty

In a related note, although no clear confirmation or denial has been given, there seems to be a concern that Bethany Joy Lenz and James Lafferty may not reprise their roles as Haley and Nathan in the upcoming series

In my opinion, it’s hard to imagine making a show like “One Tree Hill” without Nathan and Haley since they were the only constant couple throughout the original series. Although the show initially focused on the brothers, over time, the characters played by Lafferty and Lenz took center stage, effectively becoming the heart and soul of the series as it evolved

It’s clear that there’s a possibility they might return, as stated earlier, but at this point only Chad Michael Murray seems to be absent from the potential return. Frankly, I find it peculiar that they weren’t part of the project right from the beginning, which makes me apprehensive about getting a new “One Tree Hill” series without Nathan and Haley

All The Places You Can Stream One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill's Sequel Series Is In The Works, And I Have 2 Big Concerns Involving Chad Michael Murray And Its Original Cast

You can stream One Tree Hill with a Hulu subscription, Disney+ subscription or Max subscription.

Significantly, the “Drama Queens” podcast from OTH has seen a change in its hosting team. Originally hosted by Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz, it’s now Hilarie Burton who’s stepped down and Robert Buckley who’s taken her place. This change coincides with the point in the series where Peyton departed

Prior to this, whispers had been circulating for several months suggesting a rift between Burton and Lenz, as reported by Glamour. Importantly, these allegations remain unconfirmed, and neither party nor the third woman have commented on the matter

Pondering the “what ifs” can’t be avoided, such as speculating whether this situation might be genuine and could affect the casting for the upcoming sequel series

Among all characters from One Tree Hill, it’s Nathan and Haley who come to mind first, and whose stories I’ve always been most invested in. I find myself wondering what happened to their children – with Jamie being around 18 years old now, and Lydia possibly 13 – after the series concluded. It would be intriguing to follow how their lives have evolved as their kids grew up, given that Nathan’s basketball career likely reached its climax, leaving other aspects of his life to unfold

To put it another way, if they were gone, the series would undeniably lack something significant, just as it did during those past times when Peyton and Lucas left. Admittedly, they might account for their departure by stating they moved away from Tree Hill, and that could suffice. Yet, I worry that without them, the show may lose its charm and appeal

Luckily, both actors are very connected to the series. As I mentioned, Lenz co-hosts a rewatch podcast, and Lafferty has participated in multiple charity basketball games that are also One Tree Hill reunions. Plus, if Sophia Bush softened her stand on a reboot, why can’t they? All in all, I know their love for the show is still there, and I hope they are part of the group of actors who are reportedly in “informal conversations” about joining the series.

All in all, despite my apprehensions regarding the participation of Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, and Bethany Joy Lenz, I’m looking forward to seeing how the One Tree Hill spinoff unfolds. At this stage, things can change dramatically, even with these three potentially being part of it. But for now, they seem absent, which leaves me a bit uncertain about this follow-up series

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2024-09-04 15:57