General Hospital
Bryan Craig Talks Javi In ‘Grand Hotel’, Recasting GH’s Morgan, And His Post-Daytime Career
When Grand Hotel finally makes its highly-anticipated debut this summer (Monday night, June 17th) on ABC, soap opera fans will see some very familiar faces in primo roles as this sudsy drama, based on the Spanish series Gran Hotel, tells the story of a family-owned hotel in Miami, the people who run it, and all of the secrets they keep from one another.
Brought to you by executive producers Eva Longoria and Ben Spector, the show explores the family dynamic of the Mendoza family. Longoria herself will play a mother in four episodes of the show, as well.
General Hospital fans will take note that Daytime Emmy-winner, Bryan Craig (Ex-Morgan Corinthos) is front and center in the cast as Javi Mendoza, the troubled son of the family who has some major obstacles in front of him.
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Craig during the recent ABC TCA’s Press Tour for the network to get some insight into his new role, how he would feel if GH would recast the role of Morgan (he recently propped up former DAYS star Billy Flynn as a potential viable candidate) and what it has been like post-daytime in his burgeoning career in film and TV. Here’s what he had to say about his TV life past and present.
What has this experience been like for you taping the episodes of Grand Hotel and working with such a stellar cast?
BRYAN: It’s been incredible It feels like it went by so fast. It’s an awesome group of people. We’ve got a fun show.
How would you say your character of Javi Mendoza stacks up against GH’s Morgan Corinthos?
BRYAN: I think it’s one of the most layered characters that I’ve ever played. There’s a lot going on with Javi. He has a big disability, kind of like Morgan did. It’s a physical disability, and there are a lot of challenges that come along with that. He also has a substance problem. So, some of the same issues and in the same world that Morgan was in. Javi is a very troubled character, but he is also a lot of fun, and a ladies’ man … and sleeps with a lot of women! (Laughs)
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Do you think the audience will care for Javi, though?
BRYAN: Oh yeah, one hundred percent. He was written in a very kind-hearted manner. He’s a great guy, who has had a tough life.
Did they put you through a audition process to nab the role in Grand Hotel?
BRYAN: They had read hundreds and hundreds of people for this role. I came in at the tail end of it, and then the process went pretty quickly. I read once, and the next think I knew, I was in a room with Eva Longoria and director, Ken Olin. Then two days later, I was testing with Eva, and then I got the call that I had the part.
You’re a part of the core family, the Mendozas, on Grand Hotel, and on GH, you were part of the Corinthos clan. How do the family dynamics stack-up?
BRYAN: It’s pretty special. There are a lot of similarities. It feels like we have kind of shifted GH into prime-time. In Grand Hotel, we have Demián Bichir, who plays Santiago Mendoza, and he is my Sonny Corinthos now. They gave us a very heavy, heavy storyline … just like they gave Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) and me. So, I think the fans are really going to buy into it. ABC, (I think) wanted to marry that bond a little bit, and I feel it was very apparent in the writing. This network has been very good to me.
Courresy/ABC
Did you know that your co-star Denyse Tontz was in Prospect Park’s All My Children reboot as Miranda Montgomery and had a soap past, as well?
BRYAN: Yes! I did know that. Denyse plays my sister on Grand Hotel and we work together a lot on the show. There were quite a few people on the show who came from soaps. Even some guest stars who came in were big in soap at points.
So, this kind of all worked out for you! You left General Hospital, and landed a major primetime series, plus your other movie roles!
BRYAN: It was a scary move, but it worked out. I did a few things; a couple of movies, and I did a show for CW for a while, and then this. So, it’s been back-to-back. I’ve been fortunate.
Courtesy/ABC
How would you feel if General Hospital, ultimately, recast the role of Morgan?
BRYAN: You know, if it was to behoove the show, then so be it. I feel like it was a pretty nice end for me there, but I can’t sit here and be selfish and be like, “I’m the last person who could play that role!” Would that be awesome? I mean, yeah! But, who knows? They’ve got to do what’s best for the show.
GH’s Maurice Benard had great story in 2018 with the Alzheimer’s storyline involving Sonny’s dad, Mike Corbin (Max Gail). Had you been checking it out at all?
BRYAN: I know! I do keep up with Maurice a lot. We are good friends.
To remind those who have not seen the trailer to Grand Hotel check it out below. Will you be watching Bryan in his exciting new role on Grand Hotel? Will you be OK with a Morgan recast on GH, or hope the show will wait for Bryan to return one day? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I think the Morgan ship has sailed. Morgan is dead. Why does everyone else lose a child on this show (Bobbie, Felicia, Scotty, Monica, etc etc) and Sonny and Carly just keep getting more? If Morgan comes back alive…then that negates the message that Sonny’s criminal lifestyle is dangerous. I don’t see a place for a returned Morgan. It would be forced and contrived and awkward. I’m still waiting for it to come out that Morgan was Avery’s father though. I vividly remember the scene where Carly had complete access to the paternity test. I think she changed the result to Sonny being the father for a few reasons. One, to protect Morgan from Ava. Two…to protect Avery…Morgan was unstable at best. Three…to keep the child from Ava. As grandparents, they would have very few legal options. Keep Morgan dead.
I agree with you, Colin….I can’t even imagine a pregnant Carly—-more focus on this irritatingly overbearing woman. However, Laura may be expecting in real life.
And, speaking of babies, methinks Willow has one on her mind….with Chase? Will she blindside him?
Wow really? It is possible but Carly yeah possible
Wow I can’t wait to see this show.. Great cast from what I could see.
Wow cant wait its going to be great and Bryan is going to slay it so proud and yes he is right if they recast morgan that will be fine its time ABC you ROCK fro Elizabeth Harrison
The GH fans never liked Bryan and the character of Morgan BUT if you cast a good actor and have him return with Kristen Alderson in a new role, I’m in!
GH fans liked Bryan as Morgan just fine. As far as Kristen Alderson goes, the only people who liked her were the OLTL fans. Pre 2/2012 GH fans never could stand that whiny little twit, and resent the way she was thrown in our faces as if she was meant to replace Robin Scorpio, literally forcing her on screen the same day Robin allegedly “died”. It was a horrible mistake…. like all the other OLTL related dragonshit that Frank & ReRon forced into the show.
Your evilness, perhaps the GH fans in hell liked Morgan but us here on earth didnt like him! But anyway, I agree with you about most of Frankie boys OLT buddies coming on the show for no purpose whatsoever but I do think Ms. Buchanan is serviceable.
PS: Nobody can replace our Robin!
Heeeey Timmm,
I luvs and miss Morgan/Bryan .
He’s the only reason I’ll tune in to Grand Hotel.. 🙂
Hey suOOO
Just happen to see this, and wondering if you have been watching. I love it and Bryan’s new role. It is a nighttime soap, in most ways, but I am really liking it.
There are a lot of GH fans that loved Bryan and thought he played the role of Morgan exceptionally well!!! I don’t think anyone else could do the role justice !!!
Congrats on the new show Bryan .
You are probably right. Unless they could afford to hire a cardboard cutout!
Keep Morgan dead…enough said!!!!
Recast Morgan already! Bryan is gone, bye bye let him move on, so Morgan can renite with the Corthinios
There will be a new Morgan in town by the time Carly’s baby drops. You can bet your soul on it!
^^^ this is why the Corinthos’ remain dead.. along with piss ass writing .. courtesy of Shelly AND Chris
@GH is NOT taking the Nielson 18-49 women or any demographic
you have to MOVE away from Sonny and Carly
I could care less if they bring back Morgan. I didn’t like Bryan Craig in the part, but I’m loving him on the other GH.
After Sonny and Carly read what the sex of their baby is, was it ever revealed, or did I miss it? Of course, boy or girl, they will call it Morgan.
I always wanted him back on Gh, however I like him on Grand hotel too. Just glad he is back!
does Bryn Craig really have a prosthetic leg?
I really don’t think so Carol. The fans wood surely know it, wooden they? LOL, sorry, bad joke.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Y&R’s Eric Braeden Pays Tribute to Former On-Screen Wife, Meg Bennett: “She Was Such a Bright and Gentle Lady”
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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