James Lafferty is the latest name being floated into the expanding world of Grey's Anatomy — even if he’s not fully convinced he belongs in scrubs just yet. After former One Tree Hill co-star Sophia Bush publicly suggested Lafferty would fit perfectly inside Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the actor responded with a mix of humility and self-deprecating humor that quickly got longtime TV fans talking.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Bush first pitched the idea during a recent interview about the Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 finale, in which her character, Cass, shared a surprising romantic moment with Amelia Shepherd. While reflecting on the growing list of One Tree Hill alumni who have already appeared on Grey’s, Bush singled out Lafferty as someone she believes could slide naturally into the franchise. “Who gives you more McDreamy vibes than James Lafferty?” she said, referencing Patrick Dempsey’s iconic Grey’s character Dr. Derek Shepherd.
Bush added that Lafferty and fellow One Tree Hill alum Stephen Colletti would “crush it” in the Grey’s universe.
Lafferty, however, wasn’t exactly ready to claim the “McDreamy” crown. “I don’t have that hair,” he joked when asked about Bush’s comments.
Colletti immediately pushed back, telling him the signature look was “in there” if he grew it out.
Lafferty doubled down on the joke, adding that Dempsey’s famous hairstyle is “iconic” and saying he couldn’t fill those shoes.
He also joked that memorizing medical dialogue might be an issue, quipping, “There’s no way I’m playing a doctor.”
The conversation arrives at a moment when the Grey’s Anatomy universe is actively expanding again. ABC recently confirmed a new Texas-based spinoff from franchise creator Shonda Rhimes and showrunner Meg Marinis, with Ellen Pompeo attached as an executive producer.
The new series, set in rural West Texas, has already sparked interest from former cast members looking to reconnect with the franchise, including actress Leven Rambin, who recently campaigned online for a return after previously playing Sloan Riley, the daughter of the late Eric Dane’s Dr. Mark Sloan.
Bush’s connection to Grey’s has also become more significant in recent months. Her appearance as Cass generated strong reactions online following the Season 22 finale, especially after the reveal involving Caterina Scorsone’s Amelia Shepherd. Bush acknowledged the fan response in a recent interview, saying viewers immediately wanted answers after the twist ending aired.
