Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton leaving 'One Tree Hill'
It's seems unreal, but a rep for the CW tells us it's true: Lucas and Peyton are moving out of "One Tree Hill."
Rumors that the shows stars, Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton, would not be returning for the show's seventh season began circulating in February when the CW announced a series renewal without specifying which cast members would be back.
Soon after, a video of Murray talking to his fans surfaced. Seemingly unaware he was being filmed, the actor told fans, "They're not bringing me back next year ... because they want to save money." He even encouraged them to rally behind him: "Start blogging and being pissed off."
In April, "One Tree Hill" executive producer Mark Schwann told a crowd in Paris that all of the actors had signed on for Season 7, except for Murray and Burton. "They're in negotiations right now and I know they've been offered great things, and hopefully they'll decide to come back. If they don't that's always a possibility...[the show] has made it through some of the riskier moves we've done."
Looks like the public negotiating didn't take. A rep for the network confirms the two are out, and EW.com additionally reports that two new characters will be introduced next season. Austin Nichols, who play's Brooke's man Julian, meanwhile, will be upped to a series regular.
When last we saw the blissfully happy Lucas and Peyton, they had just been married. Unfortunately, in the final moments of Monday's episode, a very pregnant Peyton began to bleed and passed out cold on their honeymoon bed.
Does this news spell trouble for Peyton? She did record those video messages to her baby a couple of weeks ago (in an episode directed by "One Tree Hill's" own James Lafferty). And what about Lucas? His heart's been ticking fine for some time.
Guess we'll all find out what happens to the pair together during Monday's season finale.
-- Denise Martin
Photo: Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray. Credit: The CW
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! I CANT BELIEVE IT!!! NO WAY IS THIS POSSIBLE!! I AM DEVASTATED!!! THEY REALLY NEED TO BRING THEM BACK!! ONE TREE HILL IS NOOOOOT THE SAME WITHOUT THEM!!! PLZ PLZ PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ BRING THEM BACK!!!!!
Posted by: Sherona | October 12, 2009 at 02:00 PM
I dont' understand how you can afford to have 3 or 4 new characters but you cant bring back 2 of the hottest characters on the show from the very beginning. they have been through so much and EVERYONE wants to see their new baby and new life. We got to see Haley and Nathan's son and watch him grow up. so why not Peyton and Lucas? THEY ARE THE BEST ACTORS ON THE SHOW. BRING THEM BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Katie Randall | October 12, 2009 at 02:05 PM
I'm not going to lie, I was a young teen when OTH started and I initially was interested in looking at Chad Michael Murray for an hour...but I have really grown to love the show. I loved the love triangle on Brooke, Peyton, and Lucas...I loved the love story of Peyton and Lucas...the obstacles they over came. I loved the two characters individually...Lucas always had inspiring words...was a good friend...and I LOVED the way he spoke and he always began the show with inspiring quotes as well as end the show that way...it really gave each episode purpose and made you think after. Peyton seemed like the laid back chick who was well-rounded and centered. I JUST MISS THEM. The show doesn't seem like it has depth anymore...it feels like as if it is almost a spin off of a show. I'm very dissappointed in this decision. It seems that all the good shows make these decisions (i.e. The O.C killing off Marissa which then GOT CANCELLED AFTER THE 4th SEASON). I just hope this doesn't happen to One Tree Hill. It won't be the same. The were the primary focus of the series...they still could have not focused on them so much all the time but to completely eliminate them? I feel like it cheapens the show. We really have no explanation of where they went besides them driving off into the distance at the end of season 6. What about Karen? You can't have a Dan Scott with the new life with the underlying guilt of killing his brother and NO KAREN. I just really am dissappointed.
OF COURSE though I love the show and Haley and Nathan and Jamey and Brooke...everyone else hasn't put any impression on me. BUT I REALLY HOPE PEYTON AND LUCAS reappear and realize this was a mistake.
So basically...I will always watch OTH..and I will always love it..but the spark and depth of the show is gone. The depth and inspiration Lucas and Peyton has seperated the show from a teen soap opera ...now its just like every other show...gossip girl, 90210, Melrose place...I want the classic Good OTH =/ =(
I began this season with excitement about what was to come with peyton andd lucas completely oblivious to the rumors...now it's like there's a big part completely gone with no explanation of a story in actual Tree Hill...it's like they didn't exist now =(
LAME
Posted by: Loyal Tree Hill Fan | October 12, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I am very said to hear that lucas and peyton are off the show, but i will still watch the show. i have watched it since day one and i am very addicted. i always look forward to the next episode and will be devistated if and when the show goes off air. i would love it if lucas and peyton would come back if nothing else to say goodbye. besides we need to see what sawyer looks like now that she is a little older,I love were the show is headed i am a true #1 fan and am very dedicated to my OTH i never miss an episode and i even got my husband to watch it and he loves it almost as much as i do. i would like to add that Nathan, hailey, brook and the rest of the cast are awsome i love you guys and keep up the great work. YOU GUYS ARE ALL MY FAVORITE ITS HARD TO JUST CHOOSE ONE!!!!!!
p.s. jaime is the cutest little thing!!!!
Posted by: ashley | October 12, 2009 at 07:19 PM
I REALLY LOVE LUCAS AND PEYTON SO PLEASE BRING THEM BACK THEY REALLY DO MAKE THE SHOW
Posted by: ashley | October 12, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Are you freakin kiddin me? How do you have One Tree Hill with no Lucas and Peyton? And dont get any new actors to play them......IT WONT BE THE SAME. You guys need to fix it....like ASAP....for real
Posted by: Morghan Sanaa | October 12, 2009 at 08:05 PM
If this is true i m sorry i m nt intersted in the next season,because i love the both of them,they are one of my favourite.i m angry.i love Brooke nd Jamie.
Posted by: nneka | October 18, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I think that Lucas and Peyton should be in this season because that is one of the reasons I watched the show! Lucase, was my favorite character! Don't let him leave.....
Posted by: Kendyl May | October 18, 2009 at 11:43 AM
i was so mad when i found out peyton and lucas were off, i mean the two MAIN characters. i've waited since the 2nd episode to see them together with a baby and when we finally get to see it...its over for the two. my favorite moment was in the school library when peyton got shot, and lucas, once again, saved her. peyton was my fav character, i love her so much. im still going to watch the show, i guess i just wont be as excited about it. People Always Leave, yeah no kidding.
Posted by: People Always Leave | October 19, 2009 at 12:50 PM
dont give up on the show
peoplealwaysleave2223@yahoo.com
Posted by: one tree hill fan..still | October 19, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I loves one tree hill i bought every season as soon as it came out and watch every week. I tried to give them a chance even though i only loved it because of leyton and well it sucks. how can you have a show without the main characters. they have to make all this drama go down just to try to make up for the terrible storyline. one tree hill made a great 6 seasons and now its time to say goodbye to them. they offically lost me as a viewer.
Posted by: Brittany | October 19, 2009 at 03:28 PM
This is the stupidest thing CW could ever do Peyton and Lucas have been such a HUGE and most of the best parts of one tree hill. they wont be saving money they will be rapidly losing it!
Posted by: PISSED | October 20, 2009 at 05:40 AM
this is HORRIBLE ):
i dont think ill be watching if they leave, it just....wont be the same.
biggest mistake ever ):
come on, CW.
Posted by: Amanda | October 20, 2009 at 04:56 PM
um, what the heck are they thinking. Lucas is the only reason alot of people were watching One Tree Hill. The show wont be the same without him. I think letting him go is a big, big mistake. They shouldnt let Peyton go either. Shes great!
Posted by: Roshelle Hammond | October 22, 2009 at 12:56 PM
I LOVE the show without them. I mean i liked the show with them too but I think this season is my favorite. I think it would be cool if they came back everyonce and a while but I think the show will survive. Good Job to the rest of the one tree hill cast i think they have always made the show!
Posted by: Brit | October 22, 2009 at 02:22 PM
To be blunt yes Peyton and Lucas were the main story line in the beginning but since seasons 4 & 5 Haley and Nate were it and now its Brookes times to shine her and Julian should be together as a Major fan who has bought all the seasons and watches all the episodes I hope we occasionally hear about Peyton and Lucas I mean they cant drop off the earth but making the show about mostly Nathan, Haley, Brooke and Julian will only make the show better Lucas and Peyton were getting old with thier drama!
Posted by: Brittney | October 26, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I think the show is not as good as it used to be without lucas and peyton it is about time they got together I am happy for them and they were the reason why I was watching I am tired of hailee I really am I love peyton and lucas together they are so cute and with sawyer brook scott as the additon just makes it better
Posted by: Nana Edusei | October 26, 2009 at 07:05 PM
OMG they can't do this one tree hill just wont be the same i am actualy addicted to it and lucas and payton are two of my favorate charicters!!! i dont know if i'll be able to watch it if there not in please please please do NOT take them off i will be so upset if they do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love lucas and payton please dont take them away!!!
Posted by: Amy Ramshaw | October 29, 2009 at 04:03 AM
OneTreeHill Is Not OneTreeHill Without Lucas & Peyton .. its seems pretty wack ive been watching this show for as long as its been on and imm use too everyone from the old season .. we need lucas and peyton back asap !
Posted by: Alysha Colon | October 29, 2009 at 10:48 AM
wow.... they cannont and should not take peyton and lucus out of the show..... they made that show.... it would be nothing without those characters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Raquel | November 02, 2009 at 08:02 PM