Port Charles fans, get ready for a big shake-up! In the July 3 episode of General Hospital, viewers were surprised to see a new face portraying one of the show’s most beloved characters. Maxie Jones, who has been brought to life by Kirsten Storms for an incredible two decades, is now being played — at least temporarily — by Nicole Paggi.
Longtime soap watchers will remember Nicole Paggi from guest appearances on primetime favorites like 9-1-1, The Rookie: Feds, and 90210. But she’s no stranger to General Hospital either. Paggi actually stepped in for Storms back in December 2023, earning solid reviews for seamlessly carrying Maxie’s story forward while Storms was unavailable. This time around, Paggi returns to the role due to a scheduling conflict that made it impossible for Storms to film the latest episodes. According to a spokesperson for the show, the change is only temporary, so fans should not panic — Storms will be back!
Still, Maxie’s fans are bound to feel the jolt of seeing another actress in the role. Kirsten Storms has left a huge mark on General Hospital ever since she debuted as Maxie in 2005, taking over from Robyn Richards, who originated the teenage version of the character. Storms made the part her own over the past twenty years, becoming a fan-favorite fixture through Maxie’s heartbreaks, triumphs, schemes, and struggles. While some fans may recall Storms leaving the role before, this isn’t her first recast — Jen Lilley, best known for Days of our Lives, filled in from 2011 to 2012, while Molly Burnett took over during short absences in 2016 and 2018. Each time, Storms returned to reclaim Maxie and continued her dynamic portrayal.
This newest casting shuffle will likely stir up memories of those prior recasts, as well as highlight the enormous challenge any actress faces when stepping into Maxie’s shoes. But Paggi seems ready for the task, having proven she can handle the pace and pressure of daytime drama. Insiders report that her storyline will stay consistent with Maxie’s ongoing plots, meaning viewers should expect no dramatic rewrites or shocking disappearances — just a new face delivering familiar lines as Maxie navigates her next chapter.
Meanwhile, Kirsten Storms recently marked a huge milestone on General Hospital, celebrating twenty years in the role on May 23. Reflecting on her two decades in Port Charles, Storms shared how she approached becoming Maxie back in 2005. She knew from day one that she would bring a fresh, grown-up take to the character. Since Richards had played a much younger Maxie, Storms was tasked with taking the role in a more mature, evolving direction.
“I thought fans would be a little bit upset about it initially,” Storms admitted in a recent interview. “But I thought if I do my best, I can win that group over.” Rather than worrying that viewers might reject her, Storms chose to give her full effort, trusting that authenticity and commitment would win fans over. Over the years, she also learned to build a thicker skin against harsh comments online. “The Internet is such a powerful place where criticism is concerned,” she explained. “Now I don’t take the mean comments personally as much.” Storms decided that doubting herself would be pointless and resolved instead to give 100 percent, believing that audiences would respond if they saw her passion.
Her instincts proved correct: Kirsten Storms went on to become one of General Hospital’s most recognizable and respected stars, carrying Maxie through romantic entanglements, tragic losses, and dramatic twists that only soap operas could deliver. Fans have watched her grow from a rebellious young woman to a determined mother and fierce friend. It’s no wonder that even a temporary change in casting feels like a major event in Port Charles!
While Nicole Paggi will only be stepping in for a few episodes, her presence should keep the continuity flowing without skipping a beat. And given how well she handled the role during Storms’ previous absence, viewers can feel confident that Maxie’s story will stay on track. Whether she’s plotting her next move, defending her family, or navigating her tangled love life, Maxie’s place in the canvas remains secure.
As always, soap fans have a lot to discuss whenever a recast hits the screen. If you have opinions, theories, or even frustrations, you can join the conversation on our fan groups or social channels. From Facebook to Bluesky, Instagram to Twitter, there’s no shortage of places to connect with other Port Charles devotees and share your reactions.
Don’t forget to keep watching daily episodes to see how Nicole Paggi handles Maxie’s complex emotions and complicated circumstances. Storms is expected to return once her scheduling conflict is resolved, but in the meantime, Paggi is keeping the character alive and well for the loyal audience. With so many storylines currently colliding on General Hospital, the next few weeks promise to be dramatic, emotional, and completely unforgettable.
So set your DVRs, settle in, and get ready to watch a talented actress step into the shoes of one of daytime’s most iconic heroines. Will Paggi’s Maxie win over new fans? Will Storms’ return be even more triumphant after this break? Stay tuned — in Port Charles, anything can happen, and you won’t want to miss a minute of the drama!
