Salem enters 2026 not only with on-screen tragedies, but also with a wave of behind-the-scenes changes that will leave veteran fans breathless. Days of Our Lives is preparing to release a series of major recasts, bringing with them emotional upheavals, rewritten relationships, and character legacies facing a perilous turning point.

According to lead writers Jeanne Marie Ford and Paula Cwikly, these are not “bug fix” changes, but rather strategic steps to restructure Salem for the long term.

CHAD DIMERA: BILLY FLYNN IS GONE, AN ERA COMES TO A CLOSING

The biggest shock, undoubtedly, came from Chad DiMera. After more than a decade together, Billy Flynn officially said goodbye to Salem. For viewers, Chad was not only a complex DiMera, but also a symbol of tragic love with Abigail.

Flynn’s move to The Young and the Restless as Cane Ashby marked a major turning point – and also forced Days to redefine the character of Chad from the ground up.

CONNER FLOYD TAKES OVER: HOPE OR DANGER?

Starting in April, Conner Floyd will officially take on the role of Chad DiMera. This move is particularly noteworthy as Floyd has just left The Young and the Restless, where he played Chance Chancellor.

This is a rare “cosmic swap” between two soap opera masterpieces, but it’s also a risky gamble. Chad isn’t an easy role to play. He carries the shadow of Abigail, the unresolved tragedies, and the enormous expectations of his loyal audience.

ARI HERNANDEZ & RACHEL BLACK: A DISTURBED YOUNG GENERATION

Not only Chad, but Salem’s younger generation is also undergoing significant upheaval. Ari Hernandez will be recast when Marissa Reyes leaves the role, with a new face appearing from April onwards.

Meanwhile, Rachel Black was also slated for a change of actress starting in March, following Alice Halsey’s departure. This was an extremely sensitive change, as Rachel was at the center of numerous dark conspiracies, and any misstep could cause the storyline to fall apart.

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: JAVI & THOMAS DIMERA

Currently, Javi Hernandez’s future remains a big question mark. Although there were rumors of a recast after Al Calderon left the role, the producers have not officially confirmed it.

Meanwhile, Thomas DiMera will undoubtedly be portrayed by a new actor following Cary Christopher’s withdrawal – paving the way for even more complicated family drama for the DiMera family.

RECAST: A LIFESAVER OR A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD?

With soap operas, recasting is inevitable. But with Days of Our Lives, each new face not only changes appearance but also rewrites Salem’s emotional history. Some characters are resurrected, relationships are distorted, and memories force the audience to learn to accept things anew.

The question is no longer “who leaves,” but whether Salem will still recognize itself after this wave of change.