“Michael is not dying people” — General Hospital fans figure out why Michael’s exit isn’t permanent after all

General Hospital is facing another loss in addition to a series of deaths this fall, with Michael Corinthos's fire accident on Monday, January 6, 2025. While the actor playing Michael, Chad Duell's departure rumors were doing rounds for some time, the unexpected burn accident seemed to be his exit plot.

The storyline will now likely focus on various issues arising from the accident. For one, Sonny would be looking for the enemy who was trying to kill him but victimized Michael by mistake.

Moreover, Michael's divorce and custody hearings are pending, followed by Willow's reunion with Drew. These story arcs will take centre stage after Michael retreats from the storyline.

After some speculations about Michael's death from the explosion, fans seem to believe that the character will live. They hope actor Chad Duell may be back to play the role in the future.

One fan, going by the identity Sydney Summerville-Chavis, posted on the soap's Facebook fan page.

"Michael is not dying people. The character will be recovering in a burn unit giving Chad Duel the time he needs to grieve his dad. GH has left the door open for him to return."

A fan post about Michael's exit from the soap (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital Fans-Official)

Many fans have agreed with Sydney's comment emphasizing that there was scope for his return.

More fan comments refuting Michael's permanent exit (Image via Facebook/@general hospital Fans-Official)

Viewers have expressed their hope that the actor would be back feeling sorry for the character's predicament.

Fans hope Chad will return to the role (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital Fans-Official)

However, some others have argued that Chad may not return and Michael may be recast after burn recovery.

Some fans doubt Chad's return to the soap (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital Fans-Official)

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General Hospital: How did Michael get burned?

Monday's episode found Michael Corinthos in his father, Sonny's penthouse, while Sonny and Jason were discussing business just outside. As Michael was relaxing, there was a loud explosion leading to the room catching fire. As Sonny tried to enter the room to save his son, Michael was seen on fire.

He tried to escape and moved across the room screaming for help, while Jason held Sonny away from the fire. Pushing him out to the hall, Jason asked Sonny to call 911.

However, Michael was up in flames and possibly had high percentage burns.

While this looked like Chad Duell's exit story arc, it left many loose threads. Moreover, the storyline does not ensure Michael's condition. Whether Michael dies from his burn injuries or survives to recuperate in a burn unit, remains to be seen.

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What could happen after Michael's explosion accident?

Michael Corinthos was in the process of divorcing his wife, Willow Corinthos after her affair with Drew Quartermaine became public. He also needed to process the custody battle for the kids from the marriage.

However, his injury will leave him incapacitated for any such procedure, giving Willow the freedom to proceed the way she wants.

Although taken aback by the situation, Willow may take advantage of Michael's accident and move to DC with the kids to stay with Drew. Alternatively, she may try to keep her good image intact and postpone her relocation to DC.

Either way she would realize she has more power and must use her strength to keep the children with herself.

Willow is likely to get challenged by Carly Spencer-Corinthos, Michael's mother. Devastated by Michael's accident, Carly may seek comfort from Sonny as the parents grieve together.

However, she may soon realize Willow's plan and would want to thwart it. She may fight for the custody of Michael's children, trying to ensure Willow does not get total parental rights.

After Michael's accident, Sonny Corinthos will likely realize that the explosion in his penthouse was planted to eliminate him.

Overcoming his grief about Michael's injuries, and his guilt about Michael being the victim in his place, Sonny will be seething to get the identity of his enemy.

Sonny's righthand man, Jason Morgan, will likely assist Sonny's quest. Moreover, he may also need to help his best friend, Carly, handle her anguish. He may also reach out to Lucas Jones about Michael's treatment.

Stay tuned to ABC every weekday to see which direction Michael's accident leads his family members on General Hospital.