Chad Michael Murray is clearing the air about the One Tree Hill reboot, sharing insights into his latest projects, and reflecting on his beloved characters in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. From his role in Netflix’s Christmas film The Merry Gentlemen to a surprising demand he made on A Cinderella Story, the 43-year-old actor has been busy keeping his iconic legacy alive.
With Netflix developing a sequel to One Tree Hill, fans are buzzing about who might return. Chad confirmed that neither he nor James Lafferty, who played his on-screen brother Nathan, is involved—at least for now.
“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,” Chad explained.
However, he’s not against the idea. “I want it for the fans,” Chad said. “James feels the same way. It’s something we know people love and care about, so of course, we’d love to see them happy.”
Chad is set to star in Netflix’s upcoming Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen. But before filming even began, he felt something was off—his character’s name.
“When we got to the table on this one, I think his name was Bob or something, and he didn’t feel like a Bob,” Chad revealed. Instead, he suggested three alternative names, ultimately landing on Luke.
Fans might notice a pattern here—Chad has played characters named Luke or Lucas before, including the iconic Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill and another Luke in 2024’s Mother of the Bride.
One of Chad’s most memorable roles was Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story, where he famously left the football field mid-game to chase after Hilary Duff’s Sam. But behind the scenes, Chad made a surprising call about the game’s outcome.
“They were going to lose, and I wouldn’t have it,” Chad shared. “I said, ‘Guys, look, he’s a stand-up human being. And I understand that he’s in love, [but] he’d give the ball to his best friend, Jake.’”
Chad’s character Jake in 2003’s Freaky Friday is another fan-favorite. With the sequel Freakier Friday in the works, Chad admitted he’s curious about where Jake is now.
“We’ve had whole lives in between,” he reflected. “We got kids and grandkids. Jamie [Lee Curtis] got an Academy Award.”
While he didn’t spill too many details, it’s clear Chad is ready to dive back into the world of nostalgic hits.
Whether revisiting old roles or paving the way for new ones, Chad Michael Murray remains a steadfast icon of 2000s pop culture. His thoughtful approach to his characters and dedication to the fans who grew up watching him keep him grounded.
As for the future of One Tree Hill? While Chad isn’t holding his breath for a phone call, his openness to the idea means fans can still hold out hope. And with holiday films, nostalgic reboots, and meaningful projects on the horizon, Chad isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
