Chad Michael Murray has revealed the moment he made the pivotal decision to play Lucas Scott instead of his half-brother Nathan Scott in the iconic series *One Tree Hill*. Speaking recently to PEOPLE, the actor shared insights on how this choice shaped his career and the dynamics of the show. Initially, he was touted for the role of the rebellious Nathan, but he ultimately felt compelled to embrace the character of Lucas, the show’s moral anchor.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/One-Tree-Hill-James-Lafferty-Chad-Michael-Murray-Freakier-Friday-premiere-2025-062626-46dbff828f20468f9cf0fd8b3d2ade11.jpg)
Murray, now 44, reminisced about the early discussions surrounding *One Tree Hill* and the expectation that he would take on the role of Nathan, famously played by James Lafferty. Reflecting on his prior roles as “bad boys” in series such as *Gilmore Girls* and *Dawson’s Creek*, he felt the pressure to diversify his choices as an actor. “I remember a friend said to me, ‘You know, you stay there, you’re gonna get locked into just being that guy,’” he recounted. “But this character [Lucas] is like the guy. You wanna be that guy.”
Ultimately, Lafferty took on the role of Nathan, a character with a complex narrative arc that saw him evolve from a troubled teen to a professional athlete and sports agent. In contrast, Lucas’s character was portrayed as a stabilising presence within the tumultuous lives of the show’s protagonists. The brothers, however, navigated a fraught relationship marked by rivalry and reconnection, particularly when Nathan began dating Lucas’s childhood friend, Haley James, played by Bethany Joy Lenz.
Murray highlighted the differences between the two siblings, stating, “At the end of the day, I think being Nathan is more interesting because of the evolution of finding yourself, whereas Lucas was very much the moral compass.” He acknowledged that, while Lucas served as a grounding force for the series, Nathan’s character allowed for significant growth and exploration. “I think James got to have more fun,” Murray added, acknowledging the richness of Lafferty’s role.
While both actors reprised their roles over the show’s nine seasons, Murray departed after the seventh season—a choice that marked a significant juncture in his career. *One Tree Hill*, which aired from 2003 to 2012, left a considerable impact on its viewers, securing a loyal fanbase over the years.
Lafferty also shared his thoughts on his character’s transformation throughout the series. Reflecting on the early seasons, he commented, “I think I was probably the most different from Nathan in those early seasons and more similar to him later when he was much more mild-mannered.” He reminisced about the earlier days of Nathan’s character, longing for moments when Nathan had a fiery temper, which was a signature part of his personality in the beginning.
The duo’s nostalgic conversation was part of a feature for PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive Issue, where they looked back on their time in *One Tree Hill* and explored its lasting legacy. Both actors acknowledged how the series shaped their careers and personal lives, forging bonds of friendship that have persisted since their time filming.
The evolution of character arcs on *One Tree Hill* has been the subject of much discussion among fans, with many reflecting on how the complexities of their relationships added depth to the series. The dynamics between Lucas and Nathan exemplified the themes of rivalry, friendship, and personal growth, underpinned by a strong foundation of storytelling that continues to resonate with viewers.
As Murray promotes his new millennial-inspired campaign for Bubly, he is reminded of the road he has taken since *One Tree Hill*. The enduring popularity of the series speaks to its ability to connect with audiences on various levels, and both Murray and Lafferty remain proud of their contributions to a show that continues to be beloved even years after its conclusion.
As the actors move forward in their careers, they will carry the indelible mark of *One Tree Hill*, a series that not only influenced their professional trajectories but also left an unforgettable imprint on the landscape of early 2000s television.