Sophia Bush recently provided an update on the much-anticipated One Tree Hill reboot, suggesting that the news might not be promising.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on March 15 at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscars viewing party in Los Angeles, Bush, 43, expressed enthusiasm about the project. “We’ve done such great work, and it’s been amazing to see how every cast member got excited about that phone call and had brilliant ideas about their characters’ journeys and storylines,” she shared.
Bush commented on the current state of the media industry, noting, “We’re all aware of what’s happening with media acquisitions right now, and I’m not sure any of us are the preferred choice for the current media conglomerates.” She appeared to be alluding to Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. after a competitive bid with Netflix.
Despite the uncertainty, Bush remained optimistic, stating, “I’m okay with that. Patience is key, if nothing else,” and added, “That’s the most refined way I can put it!”
Bush’s partner, Ashlyn Harris, added humorously, “That was a long-winded way of [saying], ‘You’ll have to wait and see.’”
According to Variety, in August 2024, Netflix began developing a One Tree Hill sequel series, with Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles as executive producers. Warner Bros. Television, the original teen drama’s studio, was chosen to produce the sequel.
In addition to producing, Bush and Burton were expected to return to their roles as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer.
Bush confirmed the venture on Instagram, saying, “What if you really can go back home? If there’s a chance to work with talented creatives and create a space for our friends to showcase their talents, own our history, reclaim our ground, and honor our fans, we’re in.”
“There’s only one Tree Hill, after all. And you — the #OTHfam — have shown us that it’s not just an idea. It really is the place where ‘everything’s better and everything’s safe,’” she continued.
One Tree Hill originally aired for nine seasons from 2003 to 2012 on The WB and later The CW. The series featured Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, and Bethany Joy Lenz in its cast.
In December 2024, Bush had previously provided an update on the project’s development.
“It’s unfortunate when development news leaks early … that’s a bit of a bummer for us as we wanted to get it across the finish line and then have a party,” Bush told Access Hollywood at the time. “But I will say the process is really incredible. The fans have kept that show alive and they’ve asked for it for so long, and then the studio came to us about it.”
“I think 10 years ago, I would have said, ‘Not on your life.’ Now I realize the opportunity to have not just a comfort show, but kind of a home base matters to people,” she went on. “So beginning to figure out how we might tell these stories and reunite our whole ragtag bunch feels really, really amazing.”
