General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal that for over three decades, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) has reigned as the central mob figure in Port Charles. But with recent hints suggesting a major turning point, fans are now speculating—could Maurice Benard be on his way out, and who might fill Sonny’s shoes?
Sonny’s 30-Year Reign as Port Charles’ Mafia Don
Maurice Benard first appeared as Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital in 1993 after a successful run on All My Children. His arrival reintroduced the mafia underworld to Port Charles, making organized crime a core theme of the ABC soap for decades.
Over the years, the character of Sonny has been deeply layered, particularly with the exploration of his bipolar disorder. Just months ago, his mental health storyline took a dark turn after someone tampered with his medication, causing him to stop taking it without realizing the consequences.
Things became even more serious when Sonny developed heart problems—something he chose to keep hidden from his loved ones while secretly preparing to undergo open-heart surgery.
Sonny’s Brush With Death Raises Questions About Maurice Benard’s Future
Although Sonny initially kept his health scare under wraps, he eventually opened up to his ex-wife Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) and his trusted security advisor Brick (Stephen A. Smith). The storyline had fans panicked about Maurice Benard potentially leaving the show, especially after his public musings about retirement.
Luckily, Sonny survived the surgery—suggesting that Benard is sticking around, at least for now. But this life-threatening experience seemed to spark deeper reflection. In a recent episode, Sonny didn’t face death again—but he did receive a surprising visitor.
Mike Corbin’s Return in a Dream Sparks Emotional Shift
While sedated, Sonny had a vivid dream in which fans expected to see one of his sons—perhaps Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) or the long-lost Morgan Corinthos (Bryan Craig). Instead, he was visited by another beloved character: his father, Mike Corbin (Max Gail), who died in 2020 from Alzheimer’s.
Appearing to Sonny at Bobbie’s Diner, Mike comforted his son, assuring him that he hadn’t died during the surgery. Their emotional conversation stirred Sonny’s deepest thoughts, inspiring him to seriously consider walking away from his mob lifestyle once and for all.
A Real Threat Emerges—But Brick Saves the Day
While Sonny was lost in this dreamlike encounter, danger lurked nearby. A mysterious woman dressed as a nurse attempted to tamper with his IV. Thankfully, Brick was on hand and quickly neutralized the threat, earning praise from viewers.
Fans flooded social media with support, demanding that Stephen A. Smith—who has portrayed Brick since 2016—be recognized with an Emmy for his performance.
Who Could Replace Sonny Corinthos in Port Charles?
With the possibility of Sonny retiring from his criminal empire, fans have been abuzz with speculation about who could inherit his position.
One potential candidate is Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), who has been quietly maneuvering to take control of the Port Charles waterfront. Some viewers believe this power grab might set the stage for Tracy to rise as the city’s next mob boss.
One fan even called the twist “intriguing.” Other names being tossed around include Michael, Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi), and Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson).
Fans Debate: Who’s Next in Line?
Reactions among fans have been diverse and passionate. Here’s what some had to say:
- “Kristina is overly emotional; I doubt Sonny would allow her or Gio Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) to take charge—it seems Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) is attempting to seize control of Sonny’s domain.”
- “I wish Madam Selina Wu (Lydia Look) would gradually phase out the mob narrative—they’ve exhausted all mob-related plots, and I’m utterly fatigued by the ‘whiny don’ trope!”
- “I believe they’re preparing Kristina for a significant role; with her Corinthos and Cassadine lineage, she’s the ideal candidate for a mob boss.”
- “Maybe Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) could step in, but do we really need another Sonny? I’m over the whole ‘criminal with a heart’ storyline.”