The Tree Hill Actors: Where Are They Now? 5 Shocking Updates On The Cast And The Netflix Reboot

The enduring appeal of One Tree Hill continues to captivate fans over a decade after the final episode aired, and as of December 2025, the drama off-screen is just as compelling as anything that happened in Tree Hill. The core cast members—Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, Bethany Joy Lenz, and James Lafferty—have not only moved on to major new projects but are also actively involved in a highly anticipated sequel series, all while revealing shocking truths about their time on the original set.

The biggest news is the confirmed development of a new One Tree Hill sequel series for Netflix, which is expected to pick up 20 years after the original finale, finally giving fans a fresh look at the lives of the beloved characters. This article provides the most current updates on the actors' careers, their personal revelations, and the behind-the-scenes stories that continue to shape the legacy of the show.

The Main Cast: Current Projects and Personal Revelations (2025)

The actors who brought the residents of Tree Hill to life are busier than ever in 2025, with major film, television, and literary projects dominating their schedules. Their careers have diversified significantly, ranging from dramatic thrillers and holiday rom-coms to best-selling books and powerful podcasts.

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• Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott): The actor who played the brooding, basketball-playing writer Lucas Scott continues his successful run in television and holiday films. In 2025, he is starring as Cal Jones in the CTV romantic drama series Sullivan's Crossing. Fans can also look forward to his upcoming Netflix holiday rom-com, The Merry Gentlemen, premiering in November 2025. Murray has also been vocal about his willingness to return for the One Tree Hill sequel series.
• Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis): The star who played the iconic fashionista Brooke Davis is executive producing and confirmed to return for the One Tree Hill sequel. On-screen, Bush is starring in the 2025 drama movie The Stranger in My Home and has a new Roku Originals show called Broad. She remains a prominent activist and a co-host of the incredibly popular Drama Queens podcast.
• Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer): Playing the artistic and fiercely loyal Peyton Sawyer, Burton is also confirmed to return as an actress and executive producer for the new series. Off-screen, she is a best-selling author, having recently released her book, Grimoire Girl: Creating an Inheritance of Magic and Mischief, which has been a major success. She continues to co-host the Drama Queens podcast with her former co-stars.
• Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley James Scott): Known for playing the talented musician and the moral compass of the show, Haley James Scott, Lenz has recently made headlines for her decade-long experience in a cult, which she has bravely detailed in interviews and on her podcast. She recently reunited with former co-star Tyler Hilton (Chris Keller) for a new project, much to the delight of "Naley" and "Braley" fans.
• James Lafferty (Nathan Scott): The actor behind the transformation of the arrogant Nathan Scott into a loving husband and father is now an accomplished director and producer. In late 2025, Lafferty joined the mental health and wellness podcast Chaos Controlled. He is also taking on an unexpected new role, trading the Raven's basketball court for a pickleball court in an upcoming project.

The Confirmed Netflix Sequel Series: What We Know

The news of a new One Tree Hill sequel series has sent shockwaves through the fandom, marking the most significant update since the show’s finale in 2012. This isn't just a simple reunion; it's a major revival with significant creative control in the hands of the original stars.

The project is currently in the development stages, with filming locations reportedly being scouted for November 2025 in Los Angeles.

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The Return of the Core Trio

The driving force behind the sequel is the reunion of the show's female leads. Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis), Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer), and Danneel Ackles (Rachel Gatina) are all confirmed to be executive producing the new series.

The intention is to center the new storyline around their characters, potentially picking up 20 years later to see where the lives of the Tree Hill High alumni have taken them.

While Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott) has expressed interest, his official involvement has yet to be finalized. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether the iconic couple "Leyton" will be featured, or if the love triangle drama that defined the early seasons will be addressed. The return of James Lafferty (Nathan Scott) and Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley James Scott), the beloved "Naley" couple, is also a major point of fan speculation, though both have been involved in recent cast events.

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The Real-Life Drama: Cults, Allegations, and the Tell-All Podcast

While the fictional drama in Tree Hill was intense, the real-life struggles of the cast have proven to be far more shocking. The stars have used their platform to expose the toxic environment on set and share deeply personal, difficult experiences. This transparency has created a powerful new connection with their audience and added a layer of topical authority to their current work.

Bethany Joy Lenz's Decade in a Cult

One of the most profound revelations came from Bethany Joy Lenz, who shared details about her decade-long involvement in a high-control religious group, which she referred to as "The Big House Family" cult.

Lenz revealed that she was lured into the group and spent 10 years in it, often without realizing the extent of the spiritual abuse she was experiencing.

She described a "rude awakening" upon leaving and credited her daughter with giving her the motivation to escape the group and start over. Her openness about this experience has resonated with fans and is a major focus of her current media appearances.

Exposing the Toxic Set Environment

The show's legacy has been complicated by the allegations of misconduct against former showrunner Mark Schwahn. In 2017, multiple female cast members and crew, including Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz, came forward to accuse Schwahn of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

Hilarie Burton has spoken about being physically assaulted by the creator on set.

The immense popularity of the Drama Queens podcast, hosted by Bush, Burton, and Lenz, is rooted in their shared experience and their mission to reclaim the narrative of the show. Through the podcast, they re-watch episodes and reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets, producers' exploitation, and the threats they faced while filming.

Beyond the Rivercourt: Recent Cast Reunions and Other Ventures

Despite the past drama, the bonds between the One Tree Hill cast members remain strong, leading to frequent and well-documented reunions in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the show was filmed. These events often include charity fundraisers and fan conventions, proving that the spirit of Tree Hill is alive and well.

Recent reunions have included a large group of stars, such as James Lafferty (Nathan), Robert Buckley (Clay), Lee Norris (Mouth), Antwon Tanner (Skills), Austin Nichols (Julian), and Jana Kramer (Alex).

The collective work of the cast—from the powerful storytelling of Hilarie Burton's new book to the continued activism of Sophia Bush—demonstrates that the actors are using their platform for more than just entertainment. The anticipation for the Netflix sequel is not just about nostalgia; it’s about seeing how these resilient and outspoken stars will interpret the next chapter of their iconic characters, bringing a new, mature, and deeply personal perspective to the beloved world of One Tree Hill. The next few years promise to be the most exciting period for the fandom since the show's original run.