Bethany Joy Lenz and James Lafferty are finally reacting to the news of a One Tree Hill reboot, and fans are eager to know if their favorite TV couple, Nathan and Haley, will be making a return. The duo captured hearts during their nine seasons on the show, which ran from 2003 to 2012. Their on-screen chemistry as high school sweethearts turned iconic supercouple made them a cornerstone of the series. So, with a revival in the works, the question is: Will Bethany and James be part of the reboot?
Last month, it was revealed that a One Tree Hill sequel series in development at Netflix, with original cast members Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton signed on to reprise their roles. The two are also taking on executive producer duties, which has only fueled the excitement surrounding the revival. But with the news out, it’s still unclear which other original cast members will join them, leaving fans curious about whether Bethany and James will return to the fictional town of Tree Hill.
In an interview with Variety, Bethany Joy Lenz, who portrayed Haley James Scott, shared her thoughts on the reboot. While she seems open to the idea, her involvement remains uncertain. “I am absolutely open to being a part of revisiting Tree Hill. But as far as this particular one, I don’t know. It’s so early,” Bethany revealed. “I don’t know if it’s in pilot. I don’t know if it’s in series. I don’t know where it’s at.”
Though she isn’t sure about her return, Bethany expressed deep appreciation for the fans who have been rooting for Nathan and Haley to reunite on-screen. “I don’t know. What I get out of people wanting to see Nathan and Haley is that the show meant so much to people,” she explained. “The characters meant so much to people. They feel so connected to their experience of us, it’s almost like we were friends they grew up with. They’re championing their friends and I just love that. It’s worth its weight in gold.”
Bethany’s sentiment reflects the special bond One Tree Hill fans feel toward the show and its characters. For many, Nathan and Haley were the heart of the series, and their journey through marriage, parenthood, and life’s ups and downs remains a significant part of the show’s legacy.
As for James Lafferty, who played Nathan Scott, he also addressed the news of the reboot in an interview with Variety, although he seemed more focused on his current project. Along with fellow One Tree Hill alum Stephen Colletti, James co-created the comedy series Everyone is Doing Great. Right now, his attention is on finding the perfect home for season 2 of the show.
“Personally, I’m blown away by the fans that make a conversation like this even possible,” James shared. “Professionally, I’m completely focused on finding Everyone is Doing Great season 2 the right home. Until then, consider me grateful for this moment and cheering everyone on!”
James also took a moment to reflect on the lasting impact of One Tree Hill and what being part of the show has meant to him. “It’s been a defining aspect of my life to have contributed to the portrayal,” he said. “I will always embrace having had that experience, and it will always be an honor to know that people care.”
For now, while neither Bethany nor James has officially confirmed their involvement in the reboot, it’s clear they hold the show and its fans close to their hearts. Whether they return or not, their impact on One Tree Hill and its legacy is undeniable. Fans will just have to stay tuned to see if Nathan and Haley are part of the next chapter in Tree Hill’s story.
