Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan might give Gavin DeGraw a phone call soon. People reported on September 20 that a One Tree Hill reboot is still in development, with Burton Morgan telling the outlet that she and and Bush were surprised when the news of the reboot “leaked†last month. But she noted that it was nice to see “the positive fan reaction to it and all of our friends from the show commenting on posts and just getting to show enthusiasm, because obviously we want Netflix to greenlight it.†Deadline previously reported in August that the two would reprise their roles as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer for a One Tree Hill sequel series and executive-produce the project for Netflix. Reportedly joining them? Writer–executive producer Becky Hartman Edwards and executive producers ​​Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles (said to be in talks to return as Rachel Gatina). Here’s what else we know, from the potential plot to the prospects of Chad Michael Murray’s return.
What would it be about?
According to Deadline, the series will take place 20 years after the show’s ending with Brooke and Peyton raising teenagers of their own. Burton Morgan also told People that the project will approach characters and stories “through a female lens.†The 42-year-old added that the “phase†of life she’s in now makes her want to tell stories that are “very different†to what she wanted to express when she was 20.
Who would be in the cast?
Burton Morgan and Bush’s involvement comes as no surprise. The pair have kept in touch since One Tree Hill wrapped up, creating the popular podcast Drama Queens with co-star Bethany Joy Lenz. However, Burton Morgan left the rewatch podcast once her seasons ended, leaving OTH co-star Robert Buckley to replace her. Who’s to say more alumni from Tree Hill High School won’t sign up for a reunion? After Burton Morgan teased a potential One Tree Hill return in August 30 Instagram post, multiple former cast members — including Robert Buckley, Bryan Greenberg, Tyler Hilton, Jana Kramer, Michaela McManus, Barbara Woods, and Daphne Zuniga — left comments expressing their excitement or willingness to participate.
It seemed like post announcement, the prospects of returning are slowing making it out of the comment section. “I talked to Sophia about it. They’re gonna get their footing of the show but I think they’re open to bringing back characters,†Kramer explained to E! News on November 29. “For me, I love watching rebooted shows and then seeing old characters come back. I wanna know where they’re at, what they’ve been up to. So, I hope I get the opportunity, it sounds like there’s a window for that. I’m ready if it comes calling.â€
Is Chad Michael Murray returning to One Tree Hill?
Deadline previously reported that Chad Michael Murray had no plans to return and Murrary confirms this in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “We’re not doing it because no one’s ever picked up the phone and said, ‘Hey, we’re doing this,’ so we’re not doing it,†Murray said of his absence, one that’s echoed by his on-screen half brother James Lafferty. But hey, if the project is still in development, maybe there’s time for him to change his mind? If he could do one sequel, he surely has room for another.
This post has been updated.