Port Charles is no stranger to the dead rising—but this time, General Hospital has outdone itself. In an earth-shattering twist, not one, not two, but three seemingly departed characters have resurfaced, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community and leaving viewers gasping.
A trusted insider from within the General Hospital production circle has dropped a leak so massive, it’s igniting every soap forum and speculation thread across the fanverse. At the heart of the rumor? The stunning reappearance of Nathan West—already teased and confirmed—and two more returns from beyond the grave: one male, one female. And the woman? Her comeback is said to be a mind-blowing narrative shift that could redefine the very fabric of Port Charles itself.
Let’s unravel the chilling, thrilling, and heartbreakingly hopeful implications of these shocking returns—and examine which characters may be clawing their way back from the dead.
Nathan West Rises: A Hero Returns From the Grave
First, let’s start with what we know: Nathan West (played by the beloved Ryan Paevey) is officially returning. Fans were devastated when the heroic detective was killed off in 2018, leaving Maxie Jones heartbroken and Port Charles a little dimmer.
But now, in a storyline that promises high-stakes drama, romance, and emotional upheaval, Nathan is back—and he’s not a doppelgänger or twin. This is the Nathan West.
The impact of his return is already sending ripples through long-standing character arcs. Maxie, who has suffered immeasurable loss, finally began moving forward with her life. With Nathan’s sudden reappearance, expect explosive confrontations, emotional reunions, and possibly a bitter custody battle over their son, James. How will Maxie reconcile her grief with Nathan’s miraculous return? How will he react to her new life?
Theories are already swirling that Nathan may become entangled in the dark undercurrents of Port Charles once more, especially with the Westbourne family’s shadowy secrets—and a certain returning villainess lurking just around the corner.
The Female Resurrection: Nell or Helena? Or Someone Even More Shocking?
The most jaw-dropping tease? A female character once thought dead is about to rise—and her return is described as “explosive,” with long-term consequences for multiple families.
Let’s start with Nelle Benson. Last seen plummeting to her apparent death in 2020, Nelle’s body was never conclusively recovered—a classic soap trope that almost always signals a comeback. Fans have noted that Willow’s recent descent into bitterness mirrors Nelle’s manipulative behavior, even suggesting a spiritual connection—or a dark foreshadowing.
Imagine Nelle stepping out of the shadows, perhaps armed with evidence of her survival and custody demands for her son, Wiley. She could forge a volatile alliance with her twin Willow, turning the Corinthos family upside down. Actress Chloe Lanier has no known scheduling conflicts and remains a fan favorite (and fan villain)—making this return both plausible and dramatically potent.
But what if the show goes even bigger?
Helena Cassadine, the ultimate soap opera villainess, could make her long-awaited return. The matriarch of the Cassadine dynasty died in 2016, but no one truly believes Helena is ever really gone. With cryogenic chambers, WSB tech, and shadowy global networks at her disposal, she’s more than capable of faking her death—and biding her time.
With Spencer Cassadine presumed dead and baby Ace a pawn in a growing power struggle, Helena’s return could refocus the narrative on legacy, power, and sinister manipulation. Could she be the mastermind behind the other resurrections, pulling the strings from her hidden lair? And how would she clash with Ava Jerome, Valentin, or even the newly re-emerged Britt Westbourne?
Could Sam McCall Also Return? The Ultimate Redemption Arc
Yet perhaps the most emotionally resonant possibility is Sam McCall—whose recent on-screen death devastated fans. Kelly Monaco’s firing caused a wave of backlash from viewers, with petitions and protest hashtags flooding social media. For many, Sam was more than a character—she was General Hospital’s emotional anchor.