One Tree Hill fans were sent into fandom overdrive when cast members from the much-beloved series posted some mysterious messages on social media. Hilarie Burton was among four cast members, who published vague theory-provoking posts that hinted at an upcoming project with the hashtag "#Christmas2018." While fans knew when to expect it, they had no idea what to expect, and speculation sprung up surrounding a possible reunion and even a revival. As it turns out, a Lifetime Christmas is what has brought the cast together.
Yes! A Christmas movie on Lifetime is what we have to thank for bringing together four of One Tree Hill's cast members. While it is not a revival, it is still really exciting news. Hilarie Burton (Peyton), Robert Buckley (Clay), Danneel Ackles (Rachel), and Antwon Tanner (Skills) are all starring in The Christmas Contract, per Deadline. So what is this movie about? Like many Lifetime Christmas movies: the power of love, relationship troubles, family, and the holiday spirit. Here are the details.
Hilarie Burton's Jolie is a web designer and the recent recipient of heartbreak, when she and her boyfriend Foster call it quits. With Christmas coming, they both return to their hometown. Jolie is single, while Foster has already found a new girlfriend to take with him. Faced with returning home alone, Jolie's best friend, Danneel Ackles' Naomi, offers her brother Jack (Robert Buckley) up as a faux suitor for Jolie to get through Christmas with. So what's in it for Jack?
Jolie agrees to design a website to sell Jack's upcoming novel, free of charge. Making things easier for both of them, Jack's lawyer sister sets up a "Christmas contract" for both of them to sign, which sets parameters for what's expected. Sounds like romance!
As One Tree Hill fans well know, Hilarie Burton and Robert Buckley did not star on One Tree Hill at the same time. As his and Shantel VanSanten's characters were brought in to replace Chad Michael Murray's Lucas and Burton's Peyton, respectively. So it will be fun to see Burton and Buckley share the screen in this capacity.
As for yesterday's social media mystery, we can all clear that off our desks. Thanks to a fan, all of the images from the One Tree Hill cast's respective social media postings have been saved in posterity despite being deleted. Based on what the cast posted, we knew who would be working together and that it had to do with Christmas.
The good news is they are reuniting. The sad news is that it is not as their One Tree Hill characters. Of course, what they are collaborating on is also very intriguing. And it is a sign that fans can keep their hopes up for a full-blown One Tree Hill revival.
For what's coming up while you await the arrival of fall and The Christmas Contract, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's summer premieres. If you are curious about upcoming TV shows that are set to stream on Netflix, CinemaBlend has you covered with our 2018 Netflix premiere rundown as well as our guide to Amazon Prime's premiere schedule.
