From Tree Hill To Hollywood: 7 Jaw-Dropping New Projects Of Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott) In 2024-2025
The enduring charm of Lucas Scott, the brooding, basketball-playing writer from the iconic series One Tree Hill, continues to captivate fans more than two decades after the show first aired. While the world remembers him walking the halls of Tree Hill High and navigating the complexities of the Scott family, the actor who brought him to life, Chad Michael Murray, is currently experiencing a massive career resurgence, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood's new era of romantic dramas and highly-anticipated sequels. As of this current date in December 2025, Murray is busier than ever, balancing multiple major television roles, a slew of new movies, and his life as a devoted father of three.
Far from the small town of Tree Hill, Murray’s recent work in 2024 and 2025 showcases a versatile career pivot that has surprised and delighted his loyal fanbase. From reprising a beloved early-career role in a major Disney follow-up to starring in multiple holiday features and a prime-time drama, the former teen idol is leveraging his foundational success to explore diverse and high-profile projects, making this the most exciting chapter of his professional life yet. This is your essential guide to everything Chad Michael Murray is doing right now, and what you absolutely need to watch next.
Chad Michael Murray: Biography and Profile
Chad Michael Murray, the actor behind the beloved character Lucas Scott, has built a career spanning over two decades, transitioning from a model and teen heartthrob to a versatile dramatic and romantic lead. His life story, much like his most famous character, is rooted in resilience.
- Full Name: Chad Michael Murray
- Date of Birth: August 24, 1981
- Place of Birth: Buffalo, New York, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Writer, Model
- Notable Early Roles: Tristan DuGray in Gilmore Girls, Charlie Todd in Dawson's Creek, Jake in Freaky Friday (2003)
- Iconic Role: Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill (2003–2009, 2012)
- Spouse: Sarah Roemer (m. 2015)
- Children: Three (A son born in 2015, a daughter born in 2017, and a second daughter born in August 2023)
- Personal Life Note: Murray was raised by his father after his mother left the family when he was young. He is the second of five children.
The Lucas Scott Legacy: Why Fans Still Love Him
The character of Lucas Eugene Scott remains one of the most iconic figures in 2000s teen drama. As the illegitimate son of Dan Scott, Lucas navigated a complex relationship with his half-brother Nathan, his single mother Karen Roe, and the two major loves of his life, Peyton Sawyer and Brooke Davis. His journey from a troubled outsider to a successful novelist—and his famous quotes about love, life, and basketball—made him a deeply relatable and aspirational figure for a generation of viewers.
Even today, Murray acknowledges the profound impact the role has had on his life, often sharing that fans still approach him to discuss the show and the character's enduring themes. The show’s themes of family drama, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams have given the series, and Lucas Scott, a timeless quality that continues to resonate with new viewers streaming the show. This sustained fan engagement is a major factor in the current demand for Murray’s work.
The actor has often spoken about the importance of family and how he strives to bring his three children to set whenever possible, balancing his high-demand career with his role as a "hot dad."
Chad Michael Murray’s Blockbuster 2024-2025 Project Lineup
The period of 2024 and 2025 marks a significant peak in Murray's career, with a diverse range of projects from major streaming platforms and networks. This strategic mix of television and film showcases his ability to move beyond his heartthrob origins and embrace more mature, varied roles.
1. Reprising His Role in the Disney Sequel: Freakier Friday (2025)
One of the most talked-about projects is the sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday, titled Freakier Friday. Murray is set to reprise his role as Jake, the bad-boy love interest of Lindsay Lohan’s character, Anna Coleman. The return to the Disney franchise, alongside original stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, is a major nostalgic moment for fans and a high-profile feature for Murray, confirming his enduring appeal in the romantic comedy space. The film is slated for release in 2025.
2. Leading the CTV Romantic Drama: Sullivan’s Crossing (2023–Present)
Murray stars as Cal Jones in the highly-rated Canadian romantic drama series, Sullivan’s Crossing. The show, which has been picked up for a third season, follows a neurosurgeon who returns to her estranged father’s campground in rural Nova Scotia. Murray’s character, Cal, is a crucial part of the show's central romantic tension and dramatic narrative, giving him a continuous, long-running role that keeps him on the screen for prime-time audiences.
3. Netflix Rom-Com Success: Mother of the Bride (2024)
In May 2024, Murray starred in the Netflix rom-com Mother of the Bride, further solidifying his presence on the world's largest streaming platform. This role, alongside Brooke Shields, demonstrated his ability to successfully transition into the "grown-up" romantic lead, a popular and lucrative genre for streaming services.
4. Two Major Holiday Features: The Merry Gentlemen (2024) and Joy to the World (2025)
Murray has become a staple of the holiday movie circuit, a genre that guarantees high viewership. He is set to star in two highly-anticipated features:
- The Merry Gentlemen (2024): This Netflix Christmas movie is particularly notable as Murray stars as a dancer, a role that required him to embrace a new physical challenge and even led to the promotion of a hot 2025 calendar.
- Joy to the World (2025): He is also set to star in another holiday film, Joy to the World, which is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on November 1, 2025.
Topical Authority and Enduring Appeal
The consistent stream of high-profile work, especially in the 2024-2025 window, speaks volumes about Chad Michael Murray’s topical authority in the entertainment industry. He is not simply relying on nostalgia; he is actively shaping his career to fit the current media landscape, which heavily favors streaming content and feel-good, escapist programming like rom-coms and holiday movies.
His ability to connect with audiences from the One Tree Hill era, combined with his dedication to his craft—as seen in his willingness to take on physically demanding roles like the dancer in The Merry Gentlemen—ensures that his name remains relevant. As he continues to embrace his role as a family man, his public image has also evolved, offering a grounded and relatable persona that contrasts with the drama of his characters. This combination of professional output and personal authenticity is what keeps the public interested in the man who once famously said, "There is no shame in being afraid. Only in allowing that fear to impede the pursuit of your dreams."
For fans of Lucas Scott, the current era of Chad Michael Murray's career is a rewarding one. He has moved past the drama of Tree Hill into a diverse, successful, and highly visible chapter, proving that the heart of the writer and dreamer is still very much alive in the leading man.
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