Steve Burton Teases a ‘Shift’ for Jason Morgan Ahead of General Hospital Return
Steve Burton returns to General Hospital as Jason Morgan on July 13 following a hiatus that began in March. And if his latest comments are any indication, Jason’s comeback won’t be a return to business as usual.
On the latest episode of the That’s Awesome podcast he co-hosts with friend and castmate Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Daytime Emmy winner previewed what fans can expect when Jason finally makes his way back to Port Charles.
A ‘Shift’ Ahead for Jason Morgan
Back in February, Burton announced that he was taking some time off from GH, and he last aired in the March 25 episode when Jason was taken into custody by the WSB. The actor returned to the set on June 1 and described stepping back into his signature role as “a whirlwind, for sure.”
“Been a lot going on. Had a lot of good scenes. And it’s good, man,” Burton said. “We’re shifting directions a little bit, which is gonna be interesting for fans, so get ready!”
Pressed by Anderson about whether that new direction applies to Jason specifically or the show more broadly, Burton made it clear the pivot is centered on Jason’s corner of the canvas.
“Everything that has to kind of do with Jason and his world,” Burton clarified. “That’s where the shift is going to take place.”
Burton also credited the writing team for giving him material that feels fresh.
“I think [the writers] did a really good job. It’s really giving me something to play, which is nice,” he noted. “It’s gonna be interesting. It’s shaking things up, which is gonna be a lot of fun.”
Burton’s tease lines up with what the show’s head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, recently hinted at in Soap Opera Digest’s exclusive GH Summer Preview.
“Jason returns from abroad a changed man,” they shared. “His imprisonment has had a profound effect on his outlook, and how he intends to conduct the rest of his life.”
And it won’t be a change that stays contained to Jason alone. Korte and Van Etten also revealed that Jason is poised to make a decision “that will have big implications for Danny [Asher Antonyzyn], Britt [Kelly Thiebaud], the Quartermaines, Anna [Finola Hughes], and especially Sonny [Maurice Benard].”
Burton, meanwhile, acknowledged that his exit left viewers with plenty of questions — and that the show isn’t necessarily going to tie every thread into a neat bow.
“The way I was taken off the show,” with Jason taking the fall for shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect Rocco (Finn Carr), “it was kind of a lot of questions,” Burton said. “‘Where did he go? What happened?’ And I think a lot of those [questions] will be answered. Some won’t.”
Still, Burton sounded energized by what’s coming — even if he expects the audience to be split on the execution.
“I think it’ll be cool for the fans, from a story aspect,” he continued. “I’m sure some will love it and some will not like it. But, you know, that’s how it works, right?”
Jason returns July 13 — and with a “shift” ahead and a major decision on deck, the ripple effects could be felt across the canvas.
What do you think this new direction is going to look like for Jason — and who do you think will be impacted most? Let us know in the comment section!
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