News Update: Tree Hill Corpse Roulette

‘ONE TREE HILL’ SHOCKER: 

IS NATHAN DYING NEXT WEEK?

BY ANDY SWIFT

Let’s get real for a second: Someone’s about to be fixing cars with Uncle Keith in heaven.

As the final season of One Tree Hill marches on, we’re slowly getting explanations for the shocking flash-forward sequence seen on the premiere — and on the Feb. 29 episode, we’ll finally figure out whose corpse Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) has to identify at the morgue! So who does the mystery body belong to? To figure that out, we’ll have to play my favorite game ever: Tree Hill Corpse Roulette! (Actually, that’s my second favorite game. My first is Dream Phone.)

• Nathan: Considering he’s currently in the custody of murderous basketball terrorists, Nathan is the obvious suspect. We know James Lafferty only appears in a handful of episodes this season, but that he’s definitely confirmed for the finale, so perhaps we’ll be seeing angel Nathan. And let’s not forget that Barbara Alyn Woods is also returning for an episode. (She might want to bring a little black dress along for the trip!)
• Dan: Considering he’s going all “hero” and trying to save his son, it’s totally possible Dan (Paul Johansson) will get killed in the process. Just think about it: Wouldn’t it be so poetic — and so One Tree Hill – for Dan to receive the ultimate redemption in death? And of course he’d be buried right next to Keith.
• Lucas: We know his plane took off… but did it ever land?
• Clay: He’s been sleep walking this season. Could he also be sleep dying?
• Mouth: He’s gotten super-fat this season. Mayhaps he’s going to eat himself into an early grave?
• Skills: I know this is random — especially since we’ve barely seen him this season — but wouldn’t Skills’ (Antwon Tanner) funeral be another good excuse for Deb to return?
• Jamie: Doubt it. That corpse would be super tiny, and it’s not.
• Chase or Chris Keller: Doubt it. Haley wouldn’t look so sad.

OK, my speculation is “becoming” nonsensical, so I’ll leave the rest up to you. Who do YOU think is going to bite the big one next week? Celebrate democracy by voting in my poll below:

Poll: Which "One Tree Hill" character do YOU think will die next week?

— Andy Swift

News Update: Perez Hilton On Chad's Return & An Extra Special Sneak Peek

CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY IS RETURNING TO 

ONE TREE HILL!

And he looks like he's really concerned about something. And his haircut is still pretty awful.

Chad Michael Murray is swinging back through One Tree Hill for one last episode this Wednesday at 8 p.m.

He returns to help Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) grieve after his bro Nathan goes missing. Apparently his appearance is brief, but it looks especially powerful, given all the sad/concerned faces he's making.

Check out more photos below for a sneak peek of what you're in for!

ONE TREE HILL: CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY RETURNS TO ONE TREE HILL EXCLUSIVE CLIP: ENTV

In this exclusive clip of 'One Tree Hill' Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) returns to Tree Hill and is reunited with Jamie (Jackson Brundage), Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) and new baby Lydia.

Chad Michael Murray previously left the series in Season 6, but is now making his return to 'One Tree Hill'.

Source: ENTV

News Update: Chad Shares Conspiracy Theories, Why Joy is F-ing Gifted & More!

‘ONE TREE HILL’ SCOOP: CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY SPILLS SECRETS ABOUT LUCAS' RETURN
BY ANDY SWIFT

Click For More Pics of Lucas' Return

What has Lucas been up to? Where is Peyton? And why does Lucas look so much like little Jamie? Chad tells all!

Chad Michael Murray returns to One Tree Hill on the Feb. 22 episode; and while his hair is questionable, his motives are pure. HollywoodLife.com was lucky enough to be on the show’s North Carolina set for Lucas’ epic return, so of course I had to grill the triple-named wonder about what Lucas has planned for his visit to Tree Hill — and what he heck he’s been up to since driving off into the sunset with Peyton (Hilarie Burton) at the end of season six.

First thing’s first: Chad informed us that Lucas has been “over in New Zealand,” far away from the drama of Tree Hill. Also, “he thinks the kiwis are quite nice.” But while Chad was happy to fill us in on all things Lucas, he said Peyton’s whereabouts will — sadly — remain the most mysterious of mysteries. “I don’t want to give you all the spoilers, but no, I don’t think we find anything out,” he told us.

Bethany Joy Galeotti  as Haley James Scott
& Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott

And as for those letters Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) sent Lucas last season — like, at the beginning every single episode — it turns out they were all pretty one-sided. “I decided that, yes, he did [answer her letters],” Chad said. “But we discover [in this episode] that I haven’t. So I guess I haven’t.”

Though Chad admitted that reprising his role as Lucas presented a slight “challenge,” he was more excited than anything else — especially to be working with Bethany. “I love Joy,” he told us. “She’s just so f—ing gifted, excuse my langage. When you say someone’s good and how much talent they really truly possess, sometimes an expletive is the only way to say it.”

And because I loves me a good conspiracy theory, I had to ask Chad if he ever thought it was weird that Jamie (Jackson Brundage) looks more like Lucas than Nathan (James Lafferty). “I have always said, ‘Dude, that’s my kid,’” Chad told us. “Where the hell was I 10 years ago?”

(Doing the nasty with Haley, apparently.)

So One Tree Hill fans, are you excited for Lucas’ return on this week’s episode? Hit the comments section and tell me your favorite — or least favorite — memory of Lucas. I’ve got a few to share myself!

— Andy Swift

Source: ONE TREE HILL SCOOP: CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY SPILLS SECRETS ON LUCAS' RETURN

News Update: Lucas Back in Tree Hill

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY'S RETURN TO ONE TREE HILL

Galeotti and Murray on set of One Tree Hill

Seems like old times... with longer hair.

Original Tree Hill-ion Chad Michael Murray makes his long-awaited, final season return to the soap that made him a three-named household name, and from the looks of this exclusive behind-the-scenes snap, he's done some changing. Unfortunately, we'll only get a quick reunion for our boy Lucas and his bestie Haley (the perpetually fabulous Bethany Joy Galeotti), since CMM, who left back in '09, is only back for the Feb. 22nd episode.

"Yeah, he came back for one," says executive producer Mark Schwahn, quickly adding that fans should not read into the brevity of Murray's stay. In fact, it was Schwahn's idea to put his star player back in the game for a single shot instead of a longer arc. "I think he would have done more, but I just felt that the story he's back for was best served by one episode."

That story involves the ongoing search for his half-brother Nathan, and while we won't spoil for you what happens with the hunt, we can point out two things that OTH diehards will find fun. One is that, yes, that is Austin Nichols (Julian) sitting on the floor — he directed the episode. And the second is that Lucas is clearly still wearing his wedding ring. So even though we don't get Hilarie Burton back, there's hope that Peyton will at least get a shout-out to satisfy the fans.

How psyched are you for Chad's return to OTH?

News Update: Reunited At Last: Chad & Joy Together Again

CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY RETURNS TO 'ONE TREE HILL': DETAILS ON LUCAS' EMOTIONAL REUNION
WITH HALEY

Murray poses at book signing

The time has come, "One Tree Hill" fans. Next Wednesday's episode features a return appearance from Chad Michael Murray, who left the series after Season 6 when contract negotiations with the studio came to a standstill. Though Murray has been approached about a return before, it wasn't until the series' cancellation was announced that he agreed to come back for this episode.

"We tried to do it the last couple seasons, but I don't think Chad was ready to do it," executive producer Mark Schwahn tells Zap2it. "It came down to him, and there was some back-and-forth, but it didn't feel like everybody was willing to play nice. So this season, we reached out again, and I think he was just in a better place. He saw that it was the end of the series and he knows that the show was good to him and he was good for the show. When you know that these are the last episodes, it makes it easier to get a deal done, so the business of all of it was a lot easier."

That said, any old drama immediately evaporated when Murray arrived on set. "I hear Chad enjoyed his time back in Wilmington with the crew and the cast, and I hear they enjoyed him. Everybody said nice things. Everyone said he was on his best behavior," adds Schwahn. "I think when you have time away from anything, it allows your perspective to shift and mature, and I think that was probably the case with Chad."

We visited Murray on the Wilmington, NC set of the show in September. After we watched him film some emotional scenes as Lucas, he sat down with us and admitted that he initially hadn't planned to return. "It never really crossed my mind, to be honest," he says. "I left the show and took a year off. I went out into the woods and just traveled. It was incredible. Then I came back and found this new love for what we do, this art, and I finished my book. So it never really dawned on me, but then the opportunity came across, and I knew how important it was to these fans, who are everything to the show. And that was it."

He says that he wasn't nervous about coming back to Wilmington and returning to the cast and crew that he worked with for so many years. "I filled my Xanax prescription. Big pills, I swear," he jokes, then waves a hand. "No, absolutely not. I've got so many great friends here. I've worked with this crew multiple times. We shot 'Dawson's Creek' together and we shot this together. So it was cool to come back, because all my buddies are here."

(Left-Right) Galeotti and Murray on the set of One Tree Hill

Lucas has been missing in action for quite a while, even though Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) has been dutifully writing him letters and keeping him up to date on her mercurial family life. When asked whether Lucas ever answered said letters, Murray admits that he'd always figured that he did -- but the script for the return episode says otherwise. "I decided that yes, he did, but we discover here that I haven't. So I guess I haven't," he says.

While Lucas was still on the show, one of the most important and consistent relationships in his life was with his best friend Haley, so it's only appropriate that his return to the show is about being a good friend to her, even though he hasn't been the best pen pal. The majority of Murray's screen time is with Galeotti. She says it was "great" to work with him again.

"I love Chad. He's also kind of like my dips*** little brother," she says, grinning. "I say that lovingly."

The sentiment is shared. Well, at least the love part. "I love Joy. She's so sweet. I've kept close with her over the years. I adore her, and every time I'm here we grab food. She's just so f***ing gifted," he says emphatically. "Excuse my language -- when you say someone's good and how much talent they really truly possess, sometimes an expletive is the only way to say it. I'm really, really, really glad to be working her, and I told her that -- straight up front."

Read the entire story here: CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY RETURNS TO ONE TREE HILL.

News Update: Chad Michael Murray is Back in Town

ONE TREE HILL - LAST KNOWN SURROUNDINGS PREVIEW

The search for a missing son will have them seeking help from the one person they can always count on.

“ONE TREE HILL” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Last Known Surroundings” (TV-14, LV) (HDTV)

CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY GUESTSTARS/AUSTIN NICHOLS DIRECTS THE EPISODE — Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) seekshelp from Lucas (guest star Chad Michael Murray) as Nathan (James Lafferty) makes an escape attempt. Brooke (Sophia Bush) comes face-to-face with Xavier (guest star Devin McGee). Juliain (Austin Nichols) uncovers evidencethat assists Dan (Paul Johansson) in his search for Nathan. Clay (Robert Buckley) makes a connection with another patient. Shantel VanSanten, Jackson Brundage, Lee Norris, Lisa Goldstein, Stephen Colletti and Tyler Hilton also star. The episode was written by Mark Schwahn and directed by Austin Nichols (#907).

ONE TREE HILL - LAST KNOWN SURROUNDINGS PRODUCER'S PREVIEW

Mark Schwahn highlights special moments to look forward to including the return of Lucas Scott. Don't miss One Tree Hill Wednesdays at 8/7c On The CW

ONE TREE HILL - LAST KNOWN SURROUNDINGS CLIP

You don't mess with Nathan! Catch One Tree Hill Wednesday at 9/8c on The CW

Video Update: Bethany Joy Galeotti Talks "OTH" Challenges

The "One Tree Hill" actress spills deets on Haley's new baby and intense challenges that her character will face this season. Plus, hear her message to fans!

Watch more E! interviews, HERE.

News Update: Joy's All-Time Favorite Episode

Over the last eight seasons, One Tree Hill has had its fair share of drama, heartbreak, death and crazy plotlines (the dog ate Dan's new heart!). As we prepare to say goodbye to the long running CW series, TVGuide.com caught up with the cast as they shared with us their favorite episodes. Click HERE to see Chad Michael Murray, Bethany Joy Galeotti, Sophia Bush and others look back.

THE CAST OF ONE TREE HILL SHARE THEIR ALL-TIME FAVORITE EPISODES

CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY (Lucas Scott) 

Favorite Episode: The Pilot (Season 1)

"Through three Haleys [the role was recast twice], the River Court and shooting all night long ... my memory of it is so tranquil and so vivid that it'll always be such a warm and great memory."

(Left-Right) Galeotti, Lafferty

BETHANY JOY GALEOTTI (Haley James Scott)
Favorite Episode: "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)" (Season 6)

"I had a blast on the '40s episode [written by Chad Michael Murray] — even though it was a little corny." 

SOPHIA BUSH (Brooke Davis)
Favorite Episode: "Now Lift Your Eyes to the Sun" (Season 7)

"My favorite experience thus far was my first episode directing. It was such a great ride and there is something that feels very right about that when you have been such a part of a show for a long time. To be in the position … where my entire job revolved around the behind-the-scenes aspect was a sensational experience and made me even more aware as an actor."


Read more of the cast's favorite episodes, HERE. 

News Update: One Tree Hill Season 9

Once again Zap2it.com has delivered! They've visited the Wilmington set of ONE TREE HILL to speak to the ever so lovely Bethany Joy Galeotti. This working mom has a lot to say about why she came back to the show for 13 more episodes, what fans can expect for Haley's character and Naley's relationship, and even talks about her hair change for the season. If you're a fan of Joy's read this one till the end; it's one of the best in depth interviews she's done. 

Also, for all you One Tree Hill fans who've been spoiler free so far -- tread with caution. Joy drops a lot of juicy facts regarding season 9 in this one. 

'ONE TREE HILL': BETHANY JOY GALEOTTI ASSURES US THAT 'NALEY' IS STILL GOING STRONG

(Left-Right) Galeotti, Lafferty 

After so many years on the air, the "One Tree Hill" set functions like a well-oiled machine, and rarely do members of the press factor into that. To say that we were thrilled when Zap2it was invited to Wilmington, NC to watch a bit of filming for the final season of the show is an understatement.


We visited while cast member Austin Nichols was directing the 7th episode of the season, and our first day on set afforded us the chance to watch Bethany Joy Galeotti film emotional scenes with her returning pal Chad Michael Murray. Yes, Lucas and Haley's BFFdom has endured despite his absence (and the fact that he never returned any of her letters -- a fact that plagued Murray a bit when he read the script).


In the scenes we watched, Haley wasn't in the most stable frame of mind, but Joy assures us that it's not all doom and gloom for Haley this season. When we catch up with her in the premiere, she's enjoying her growing family and the new/old business she shares with Brooke (Sophia Bush). "This season Haley has decided to, as we saw at the end of Season 8, reopen Karen's Café. She renovated Clothes Over Bros after Brooke had her financial catastrophe, and so she and Brooke went into business together. Haley is diving into that.She's got a daughter, she's got a son, her husband is traveling, it's sort of a very glam, small-town entrepreneurial mom life for Haley."


However, unlike Season 8, this final season of "OTH" isn't all about the laughs. "Things very quickly start to unravel," Joy admits. At first, it's manageable -- another local café owner, played by "Dancing With The Stars" alum Chelsea Kane, gives Brooke and Haley some not-so-friendly competition, and hijinks ensue.

Bethany Joy Galeotti

Then, real trouble comes a-knocking, as it always does in Tree Hill. And by "trouble" we mean Dan Scott (Paul Johansson), who returns to the series full-time this season after a few years with guest star billing. "Haley's trying to deal with having Dan around and deciding whether she's going to let this person back in her life and into her family's life. And Nathan is away, and that's taking a huge toll on their relationship. It's a lot about Haley finding out what her limits are," says Joy.

[...]

We've got more from our chat with Joy to share with you soon, including her hopes for Haley's ending and her own post-OTH plans. In the meantime, we'll leave you with Joy's description of Season 9:


"Near death experiences. Jealousy. Psychotic breakdowns. Post-traumatic stress. Comedy. Action. Drama, drama, drama. And romance. You've got to throw romance in there somewhere."


You know, in case you weren't already on the edge of your seat. January 11, 8 p.m. EST on The CW. Be there.

Read the ENTIRE story, HERE.