Hilarie Burton Morgan, known for her role as Peyton Sawyer on the hit teen drama series One Tree Hill, is gearing up for the highly anticipated reboot of the show. This time around, Burton is excited about the prospect of working with a female-led team, a significant departure from her experience filming the original series.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Burton shared how collaborating with a team of women for the reboot has made the experience much healthier for her. She emphasized the importance of looking at the stories and characters through a female lens, stating that female teamwork is vital to her at this phase in her life.
Burton, along with her co-star Sophia Bush, is spearheading the reboot of One Tree Hill. The actress expressed her enthusiasm for teaming up with individuals she admires and cares deeply about, highlighting the importance of collaboration for success. She emphasized that the stories she wants to tell in this phase of her life are different from when she was younger, and this perspective is shaping the direction of the reboot.
The news of the reboot was leaked in August, taking Burton and Bush by surprise. Despite the unexpected reveal, Burton expressed gratitude for the positive fan reaction and the support from their former colleagues from the show. Both actresses are eager for Netflix to greenlight the reboot, showcasing their enthusiasm for revisiting the beloved series.
Bush, who portrayed Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill, also discussed the leaked news on her Drama Queens podcast. She acknowledged the leak but expressed pride in the team’s expertise and the exciting conversations surrounding the potential reboot. Bush revealed that discussions about a reboot have been ongoing for close to half a decade, showcasing the dedication and passion behind the project.
The reboot news comes nearly seven years after Burton, Bush, and other female cast and crew members accused One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment. In a letter penned in November 2017, 18 former women associated with the show detailed the toxic environment created by Schwahn during filming. They described instances of psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, and sexual harassment, leading to post-traumatic stress and career threats for some individuals.
Schwahn was removed from his role as showrunner of E!’s The Royals following similar allegations from 25 female cast and crew members on the series. The women claimed that Schwahn abused his power and engaged in unwanted sexual harassment, prompting his dismissal from the show.
Despite the challenges faced during the original run of One Tree Hill, Burton and Bush are excited to bring their expertise and passion to the reboot. The prospect of revisiting the series with a fresh perspective and a female-led team has reignited their enthusiasm for storytelling and collaboration.
As fans eagerly await news of the reboot’s official confirmation, Burton, Bush, and their team continue to work towards bringing the beloved characters and stories back to the screen. The legacy of One Tree Hill lives on, with the promise of new beginnings and exciting adventures on the horizon.