As One Tree Hill gears up for its ninth and final season, 30-year old Chad Michael Murray recently inked a deal to return as Lucas Scott, the role that made him a break out star.
Murray recently dropped his middle name, preferring to now be called Chad Murray, and he is not the only original cast member to head back to Tree Hill. Paul Johansson, Barbara Alyn Woods and Tyler Hilton are all scheduled to return for the series swan song.
Murray has been missing from the long-running hit since exiting in 2009 with co-star Hilarie Burton (Peyton), as husband and wife took off for greener pastures with their new baby, Sawyer in tow. So, why is Murray returning after a two-plus year absence? Some are speculating that Nathan (James Lafferty) vanishes for a bit and Lucas receives word to come home after his best friend and sister-in-law, Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) contacts him. After all, it would look rather strange not to have Lucas return to his hometown with his brother in trouble.
Whatever the reason for Murray’s return, it is comforting to know that the show is returning to its roots by signing on the core members that made the show such a mega success. The only missing piece to this nine-year send off is Hilarie Burton, now a regular on USA’s White Collar, securely placed in the role of Peyton Scott.
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