Chad Michael Murray in nothing but jeans and a cowboy hat is making me unexpectedly tingly for Christmas

Chad Michael Murray is making a triumphant return to the screen with his upcoming holiday movie, The Merry Gentlemen, and the newly released promotional photos certainly showcase that he hasn’t lost any of his early 2000s heartthrob appeal. Decked out in just jeans and a cowboy hat, he’s sure to delight fans who fondly remember his role as Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill.

Embracing New Challenges

In an interview with People, Murray discussed the excitement and challenges of taking on this new role. He admitted that the prospect of the film was intimidating, saying, “When I see something and it scares the crap out of me, something in me says, ‘Alright, well, let’s see what we can do.’” This adventurous spirit drove him to tackle this project, despite his lack of formal dance training. He shared that while he enjoys dancing casually at home or at weddings with his wife, Sarah Roemer, this was a significant leap into a new realm for him.

A Fun and Festive Storyline

Directed by Peter Sullivan and written by Marla Sokoloff, The Merry Gentlemen follows Ashley (played by Britt Robertson), a former big-city dancer who returns home for the holidays to save her parents’ small-town theater. Murray’s character teams up with Ashley to create a Christmas-themed show featuring an all-male cast, adding a fun twist to the holiday season. Robertson described the plot, highlighting how Ashley combines her dance skills with some “hot dudes at the bar” to potentially save the day.

A Busy Season for Murray

While fans eagerly await The Merry Gentlemen, which premieres on November 20, Murray has also starred in another Netflix film, Mother of the Bride, released in May. In this romantic comedy, he plays a pivotal role in a story that explores family dynamics and wedding chaos, starring alongside Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove.

Additionally, he’s appearing in the Canadian drama series Sullivan’s Crossing, where he plays Cal Jones. With his recent projects, Murray is proving that he remains a versatile actor, ready to take on a range of characters, whether in heartfelt romances or festive comedies.

Chad Michael Murray’s return to the screen is certainly creating buzz, and fans are excited to see how he blends his charm with new experiences in the upcoming holiday season!