Netflix's One Tree Hill revival gets disappointing update about Nathan and Haley

Well, this might not have been the news One Tree Hill fans were hoping to hear regarding Nathan and Haley's place in the possible revival series in the works at Netflix. Bethany Joy Lenz and James Lafferty finally spoke out, and let's just say their updates aren't too encouraging.

Ever since news broke that Netflix is developing a One Tree Hill sequel series from stars and executive producers Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan, fans of the popular series have been eager to learn which additional cast members could be joining Brooke and Peyton in the potential revival.

The initial report about the series that's still in early development indicated that Danneel Ackles was in talks to reprise her role as Rachel Gatina and that Chad Michael Murray had "no plans" to appear as Lucas. For her part, Ackles is on board as an executive producer with husband Jensen Ackles. But what about Nathan and Haley?

Nathan and Haley aren't locks for OTH revival

As much as fans would love to hear an immediate "Yes!" from both Bethany Joy Lenz and James Lafferty about their place in the prospective One Tree Hill offshoot, that's not quite the answer they gave while catching up with Variety.

Lenz, who's prepping the release of her memoir Dinner for Vampires on Oct. 22, offered that it's "sweet" that fans of the show want Nathan and Haley back, but she admittedly doesn't know much about the in-the-works project. While she would be "absolutely open" to being part of the project, it sounds like it's still too early for casting announcements

Here's what Lenz shared with Variety regarding her thoughts on the project and fans hoping Nathan and Haley are on board:

"I am absolutely open to being a part of a revisiting to Tree Hill. But as far as this particular one, I don’t know. It’s so early. I don’t know if it’s in pilot, I don’t know if it’s in series. I don’t know where it’s at. What I get out of people wanting to see Nathan and Haley is that the show meant so much to people. The characters meant so much to people. They feel so connected to their experience of us, it’s almost like we were friends they grew up with. They’re championing their friends and I just love that. It’s worth its weight in gold."

- Bethany Joy Lenz

It sounds like Lenz would be much more likely to accept an invitation to appear in the sequel series than her onscreen-husband Lafferty. The actor appears to have his career focused on Everyone is Doing Great, the series he created with One Tree Hill costar Stephen Colletti. He's "blown away" by the fans who make this kind of second act possible, but he'll be "cheering everyone on."

Lafferty elaborated on his thoughts about how a revival could work in his chat with Variety:

"I don’t know how to speculate on what would or wouldn’t work in this context. What really comes to mind is that it’s been a defining aspect of my life to have contributed to the portrayal. I will always embrace having had that experience, and it will always be an honor to know that people care."

- James Lafferty

These quotes shouldn't be taken as a definitive response from either party. As Lenz noted, the series' return is still in early days. As far as we know, cameras won't be rolling any time soon. Stories have to be conceived before negotiations with additional legacy cast members can begin. It's a lengthy and careful process that needs to take place given how much One Tree Hill means to its fans.

Case in point, Lenz and Lafferty recently reunited in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the series was filmed, to celebrate the show's 21st anniversary with the 21Tree Hill charity basketball game. Lafferty played alongside a number of his costars and the event featured plenty of appearances fans will adore, including everyone from Tyler Hilton to Gavin DeGraw. All the parents were there, too!

Sophia Bush even posted photos with series pals Bevin Prince, Austin Nichols, and Jana Kramer on Instagram and in her stories while attending the celebration's festivities. There's no doubt that the whole cast has heard the exciting news about what Bush and Burton have in the works with Netflix... Maybe the gang talked about the revival series together?

Stay tuned for more Netflix news and updates from Netflix Life!