What's Next For Sonny Corinthos? Unpacking His Final Chapters On General Hospital
For over three decades, Maurice Benard has captivated audiences as the complex and enigmatic Sonny Corinthos on ABC's iconic soap opera, General Hospital. From his reign as Port Charles's formidable mob kingpin to his deeply personal struggles with bipolar disorder and family drama, Sonny has been at the epicenter of nearly every major storyline. Now, as new episodes unfold and shocking revelations emerge, fans are left wondering: what's truly next for Sonny Corinthos?
Recent spoilers and a significant announcement from Maurice Benard himself have set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable, and potentially final, chapter for the character. The storylines on General Hospital have been shifting gears, moving away from the mob-based narratives that once defined Sonny, ultimately impacting the entire plot. This shift, coupled with Benard's impending departure, signals a monumental change for Port Charles.
The End of an Era: Maurice Benard's Confirmed Departure
The biggest news shaking the General Hospital fandom comes directly from Maurice Benard. During a heartfelt message shared amidst his family’s Christmas celebration, Benard revealed that the story of Sonny Corinthos is indeed "about to come to an end." This was later officially confirmed: Maurice Benard will be leaving his iconic role as Sonny Corinthos in 2025. This revelation has evoked deep emotions among longtime viewers, as Sonny has long been a central character in the Port Charles storyline.
Speculation about Benard's potential retirement or departure has circulated before. The open-heart surgery storyline, for instance, stoked concerns from fans that he might be leaving the show, especially after he previously hinted at retiring soon. However, Sonny survived the surgery, temporarily quelling those fears. Now, with a definitive timeline set for 2025, the reality of Sonny's exit is undeniable, prompting intense speculation about how the show will bid farewell to such a pivotal character.
Sonny's Existential Crisis: A Man at a Crossroads
Even before the official departure announcement, Sonny Corinthos has been grappling with profound internal conflicts. General Hospital spoilers indicate that Sonny is currently "hit with an existential crisis that has him re-examining his personal and professional lives." This deeply personal journey forces him to make a big decision about his future.
Recent episodes have shown glimpses of Sonny unraveling, triggered by Nina's hurt and betrayal. He's even shown a sneak peek of his "old self" by aggressively confronting Cyrus. This suggests that the character is undergoing significant psychological turmoil, potentially leading him down a path that challenges his very identity. The fundamental question remains: what does General Hospital do with Sonny if he isn't the godfather of Port Charles? This problem has long plagued the soap, especially as it steers away from mob-centric plots. His existential crisis could be the catalyst for a radical transformation, or perhaps, his ultimate undoing.
Shifting Sands: The Corinthos Family Dynamics
Sonny's personal crisis and impending departure are not happening in a vacuum. The entire Corinthos family is navigating a complex web of drama, which will undoubtedly intertwine with Sonny's ultimate fate.
Michael's Bold Moves and Family Reunions
According to General Hospital spoilers for the next three weeks (May 19 to June 6), Michael Corinthos (last played by Chad Duell, now Rory Gibson) will have a chance to make a bold move. As the biological son of Carly Spencer and AJ Quartermaine, Michael's actions often have far-reaching consequences within the family. Furthermore, spoilers for Monday, June 2, reveal that Michael Corinthos and Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) will have a reunion, suggesting a potential strengthening of family ties amidst the rising tensions.
Carly, Brennan, and the WSB Threat
The Corinthos family is also embroiled in a "covert war against the WSB." Carly's discovery of classified documents linking Brennan to Sonny's past "death" (or a near-death experience) creates a critical turning point. Her next move could profoundly impact Sonny's safety and the family's standing. This storyline hints at external threats that could contribute to Sonny's peril, adding another layer of danger to his already tumultuous life.
Other Family Threads
While less directly tied to Sonny's immediate exit, other family dynamics are also at play. Gio is actively rejecting his biological father Dante's attempts at reconciliation, stating that "just because of biology" isn't enough. This familial strife adds to the overall tension within the Corinthos clan. Additionally, General Hospital 2-week spoilers for May 19-30, 2025, indicate that Brook Lynn Quartermaine's (Amanda Setton) life will "explode," and Sonny Corinthos will be "begging someone to work." These future teasers suggest major events unfolding around the time of Benard's confirmed departure, hinting at a dramatic climax for the entire family.
The Big Question: How Will Sonny's Story End?
With Maurice Benard officially confirming his departure in 2025, the most pressing question for fans is how Sonny Corinthos will exit the canvas. Will he be killed off, perhaps in a dramatic mob showdown or as a consequence of his health issues or the WSB conflict? Or will he simply leave Port Charles, seeking a quieter life away from the constant peril and personal strife that has defined him?
The show has struggled with the concept of Sonny not being the "godfather of Port Charles." If the mob storylines are indeed being phased out, it leaves a significant void for his character. His existential crisis could lead him to abandon his criminal empire, but what would that look like for a man who has known nothing else for decades? His survival of open-heart surgery previously teased his demise storyline, but he pulled through. Will the next health tragedy or external threat finally seal his fate?
One possibility is that Sonny's unraveling, triggered by Nina's betrayal, could lead him to a mental breakdown or a decision to walk away from everything he knows. The mention of him "begging someone to work" in 2025 could imply a desperate situation where he loses control or needs help, perhaps even being institutionalized or seeking treatment for his bipolar disorder outside of Port Charles.
Ultimately, the way General Hospital chooses to write out Sonny Corinthos will undoubtedly be one of the most impactful and talked-about storylines in the show's history. Fans will have to wait for upcoming episodes to learn whether he will survive the looming threats and existential battles, or if his iconic reign in Port Charles will finally come to a tragic or peaceful end.
Summary of Sonny's Next Storylines:
- Maurice Benard's Confirmed Departure: The actor will leave General Hospital in 2025, signaling the end of Sonny Corinthos's story.
- Existential Crisis: Sonny is re-evaluating his life, facing a big decision, and showing signs of unraveling due to personal betrayals.
- Shift from Mob Life: The show is moving away from mob-based storylines, posing a challenge for Sonny's character identity.
- Corinthos Family Drama: Michael's bold moves, family reunions, and Carly's covert war against the WSB (linked to Brennan and Sonny's "death") will significantly impact Sonny's trajectory.
- Uncertain Fate: The method of Sonny's exit remains unknown, with possibilities ranging from death to leaving Port Charles, potentially tied to his health, external threats, or a profound personal transformation.
General Hospital – Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) Carly Spencer
Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) | General Hospital Wiki | FANDOM
Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) - General Hospital Wiki
