Chad Michael Murray Has Big ‘Merry Gentlemen’ News For Fans

The “One Tree Hill” star just dropped some surprising news about the hunky holiday movie that had fans dancing along last Christmas.

Chad Michael Murray is setting the record straight about whether fans can expect another shirtless Christmas adventure with “The Merry Gentlemen” sequel. The 43-year-old actor recently opened up to Parade about the future of Netflix’s spicy holiday hit during an exclusive interview, and his answer might surprise viewers who were hoping for more festive fun.

The Netflix Christmas movie became a fan favorite when it premiered last year, featuring Murray alongside co-stars Britt Robertson, Marla Sokoloff, Hector David Jr., and Colt Prattes. The film follows former big-city dancer Ashley, played by Robertson, who stages an all-male revue to save her parents’ small-town venue, with Murray taking on the role of Luke.

Despite the movie’s popularity and the chemistry between the cast members, Murray delivered some disappointing news for fans hoping for a sequel. The actor stated: “There won’t be … I don’t think [there will be] a Merry Gentlemen 2.”

However, Murray described the filming experience as incredibly positive, sharing his genuine affection for his co-stars and the overall production. “So much fun, though. One of the most fun [times] I’ve ever had making a movie. Those dudes were awesome. I love my co-stars. Those are friends for life,” he revealed.

The actor also provided some context for why the movie resonated with audiences, describing it in a way that highlighted its family-friendly appeal despite its steamy premise. “That’s like a PG-13 Magic Mike. It’s family fun. You can have it [on] in the background. I mean, if someone walks in like, ‘What are you watching?’ you’re like, ‘It’s fine. It’s fine,'” Murray explained.

He Already Has Ideas for a Potential Sequel

Even though Murray expressed doubt about a sequel actually happening, he proved he’s given the concept serious thought by sharing a detailed plot idea for what a follow-up film could look like. His creative vision for “The Merry Gentlemen 2” shows that he has definitely considered the possibilities, even if the project isn’t officially in development.

Murray described his elaborate sequel concept: “If there were [a sequel], I would say the entire town goes belly up, and they [have] to do a tour around the U.S. on a bus doing shows, and then they have to bring in more talent. They got to make it more of a show. And so maybe they bring in a dude who is competition to [my character] Luke, and maybe he thinks he’s going to lose his girl to the new guy. And you get all that spicy drama.”

He continued to discuss the creative possibilities, noting that sequels need to build upon their predecessors. “It writes itself. I was like, ‘What do you do?’ You have to step it up every time, right? You got to make it a little bit bigger. You got to elevate,” he explained.

Murray’s detailed sequel pitch suggests that, although there may not be official plans for “The Merry Gentlemen 2,” the creative team has certainly considered where the story could go next.

Family-Friendly Projects Are His New Priority

Murray’s current stance on “The Merry Gentlemen” sequel also connects to his broader career evolution as a father of three. The actor has intentionally shifted toward more family-oriented projects since becoming a parent.

“I have three little babies, and I want to keep them as protected as I can. That’s my first priority,” Murray shared with Parade, explaining how fatherhood has influenced his career choices. The actor revealed that he’s moved away from darker roles because, as an “all-or-nothing kind of guy,” he found himself carrying that negative energy home to his family.

Murray’s dream projects now include family-friendly franchises and holiday content. “So right now, I think for me, it’s like the idea of doing something in the Sonic the Hedgehog world [of] movies, Harold and the Purple Crayon, or something about the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus for right now,” he said. “Stuff where, who knows? My kids will watch it and be like, ‘OK, Dad’s kind of cool.'”

The actor shares three children with his wife, Sarah Roemer: a 10-year-old son and two daughters, ages 8 and 23 months. The couple, who married in September 2014, have kept their children’s names private but prioritize family time above career demands.

Murray and Roemer have created what they call “The Pack” – a family unit that stays together regardless of work obligations. “When Sarah and I got together, we made a little pact that we would keep ‘The Pack’ together no matter what we are going to do,” Murray explained. “If she wants to go to work, great, I’ll take off, and I’ll travel, and I’ll watch the kids and vice versa.”