NewGeneral Hospitalstar Rory Gibson is opening up about the fan reaction to being recast as Michael Corinthos. Gibson recently joined thecast ofGeneral Hospitalin the role of the troubled adoptive son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, taking over for Chad Duell, who had played Michael for 15 years.
According toSoap Opera Digest, Gibson discussed his new role and weighed in on the fan reaction to his debut as Michael. Talking about his predecessor, Duell, he mentioned how replacing a beloved actor is a challenge, and was expecting some resistance.
He also revealed that he has chosen to avoid social media as he knows that fans have strong opinions on recastings, but that he was encouraged to check out fan response to his debut, and that it has been overwhelmingly positive. Check out Gibson’s comments below:
“I’ve been a recast before, so I know that it can come with a little bit of resistance.Especially, if the person that you are jumping in for has been there for a while and I know that people really love Chad.”
I was kind of anticipating a little bit of resistance and a little bit of heat and maybe people not warming up to me super-quick, so I kind of made the intention of [avoiding social media].
I don’t have Twitter; I do have Instagram, but I was like, ‘Just try to avoid things. Just don’t even look at it because it’s going to get a little intense for a little bit.’
Everyone has been unbelievably, overwhelmingly kind, It was so cool to see. It was just so refreshing and nice and I really felt the love. I felt very welcomed, and I was very appreciative of it.”
What This Means For Gibson’s General Hospital Tenure
The Young Actor Seems To Be Unfazed By The Task Of Portraying Michael
With Gibson’s experience being recast on soaps before, notably taking the role ofNoah Newman onThe Young and the Restless, means he is well-versed in the process. His comments suggest that he is taking things in his stride and has had experience with the toxicity that social media can sometimes bring with fandom.
However, it’s also nice to see that Gibson has been well-received in the role of Michael, as this is always a concern for an actor taking over a well-established character. Of course, in soap operas, recastings are common, and this is something that can sometimes bring mixed feelings.
Taking over the role from an actor as established as Duell is no easy feat, with the actor having played Michael for 15 years. However, it’s also an exciting opportunity for Gibson to put his stamp on the character and explore a different side of Michael in his own way.
Our Take On Gibson’s Recasting
It’s A Reboot For The Character Of Michael
Gibson taking on the role is a great way to reinvent the character of Michael and introduce an actor with a strong body of work who is well-versed in soaps. This can help to improve the cast ofGeneral Hospitaland breathe new life into Michael as a character, bringing fresh nuance to his troubled backstory.
How long Gibson may spend on the soap is anyone’s guess at this point, but given that Duell was in the role for a decade and a half, there is scope for long-term success with this character. Michael is a role that is set to test Gibson’s acting range, and he could play a prominent role inGeneral Hospital’s weekly stories.
General Hospital
Cast
General Hospital, a series released in 1963, weaves narratives of families, friends, adversaries, and lovers in the bustling city of Port Charles, New York. Set against the backdrop of a busy hospital, upscale hotel, and crime-ridden waterfront, it explores life-altering events in this intricate social tapestry.
