GH: Character recast

[Vee]

When I heard about this not long ago I groaned at the obvious casting choice, but Van does look good and seems in good humor in his new interview. I'll give it a chance, I guess.

[jasonminer1974]

Is Matt Justin's Brother?

[Contessa Donatella]

Yeah, to me they are building up in 2 ways: the Spencer family, led by Carly, and the hospital presence, more doctors. I think both of these things could be interesting especially if it means they are diminishing the mob presence. BITD people like Frank Smith were mobsters but as bad guys, not upstanding members of the community. Of course, as noted, we also now have more lawyers,

[AbcNbc247]

Well, it sure will be nice to see Van on my TV again

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Lucas is too important of a character to not be on the canvas. I’ll miss Ryan Carnes but this recast is necessary. I’m already looking forward to seeing his storyline play out. I wonder if we’ll get a Brucas reunion

[BetterForgotten]

Van was OK in the beginning of his time on ATWT, but I grew tired of him and his ticks after a while. 

Edited September 27, 2024 by BetterForgotten

[Taoboi]

Uh...

Oops. lol. 

[Soapsuds]

I think most are in agreement with your statement. He got better when he was paired with ESS. 

[David_Vickers]

Great news,glad Lucas will be on contract. Van Hansis seems to be  a great recast.. 

[TEdgeofNight]

So Lucas is now in his 40’s? Hopefully this is short term. Van’s acting ticks were annoying on ATWT. Bad decision GH. 

[DRW50]

Shouldn't Lucas be in his 40s? 

I imagine it will be short term, not because they have a short-term story planned, but because they likely have no plans for him, and this feels like tokenism to try to stave off backlash over over purging the show of most content that isn't completely straight. Even Hansis' statement claiming that he's glad to be joining a show where he isn't the only gay character reads as such, given that the show's queer presence amounts to a single Kristina and a rarely seen Brad.

 

Based on the half-assed Lucky return and the choices to continue to write around Laura as often as possible, this Spencer buildup seems to be lip service. I have no real idea what purpose Lucas would have in a Spencer family today. Bobbie is gone. He had few ties with the rest of the family. Is he going to tell us how wonderful Carly is?

Given how most of Lucas' close relatives are gone or going I have no idea why he is returning, beyond the show getting to tweet about how inclusive they are before he disappears in six months.

Van was never very good on ATWT (he tended to be very overwrought, which worked for a while given what a ham Martha Byrne was and that the character was meant to be going through a crisis), although he was OK at the end when challenged more. I haven't kept up with him since. He's not going to have an actual part on here so I guess I will say congratulations to him for getting paid for a while. After ATWT was gutted in part due to dumping so many ABC actors on it I am at least smiling as an ATWT actor makes his way to GH for a brief time. 

(hopefully he will have better luck than Byrne did)

[Michael]

Both Ryan Carnes and Van Hansis are in their 40s.

[Vee]

I believe he's on contract, so hopefully they do have some story in mind. I just don't have any good expectations for this creative team.

[Sapounopera]

BTG will have a married gay couple, so bringing Lucas back and giving him some story makes sense.

All these returns make it obvious that the mob element is worn out. 

[Maxim]

He is good. That's a win for GH. 

[Contessa Donatella]

Definitely a win. Van as Lucas, a doctor & also a Spencer.