Salem is in shock. The first leaked footage of Connor Floyd as the brand-new Chad DiMera on Days of Our Lives has sent ripples of horror, excitement, and disbelief through the soap opera community.

Longtime fans, still reeling from the announcement that Billy Flynn would be leaving the role he made iconic for over a decade, now face the challenge of reconciling the familiar Chad

with Floyd’s entirely fresh, and in some ways, terrifying interpretation. This casting change represents a seismic shift in the Salem landscape. Chad DiMera, a character long defined

by the duality of his ruthless DiMera bloodline and his compassionate Horton heritage, is now poised to be explored in ways audiences have never seen. Early glimpses of Floyd’s portrayal hint at a darker, more psychologically complex Chad—an intense figure whose moral battles will leave viewers questioning every action, every motive, and every whispered secret.

The Dramatic Casting Swap

The soap opera world was rocked in June 2025 when Billy Flynn, who had portrayed Chad with skill, nuance, and charm for over a decade, announced his departure to join The Young and the Restless as Kane Ashby. Flynn’s exit left a gaping void in Salem, one that demanded an actor capable of honoring the character’s legacy while injecting fresh energy. Enter Connor Floyd, who had captivated audiences as Philip Chancellor on The Young and the Restless since 2021, only to see his character meet a dramatic demise. The timing was uncanny: as Flynn began his new role on CBS, Floyd was recruited to step into the DiMera-Horton legacy, essentially swapping the two actors across rival networks—a move soap opera historians are calling one of the most fascinating actor transitions in recent memory.

Fans eager to witness Floyd’s first scenes as Chad will need to wait until April 21, 2026, thanks to Days of Our Lives notoriously advanced production schedule. Unlike typical soap tapings, which occur weeks in advance, Days films nearly ten months ahead. Floyd began shooting in June 2025, giving him ample time to develop a layered, compelling performance—but leaving fans to stew in anticipation. This prolonged wait has only heightened the intrigue surrounding his portrayal, fueling speculation about just how dark, conflicted, and unpredictable the new Chad will be.

First Insights from the 60th Anniversary Event

At the show’s 60th-anniversary celebration, Floyd offered fans their first glimpse into his vision for Chad. In an interview with E! News correspondent Wilar Fuji, he teased the intensity that lies ahead, confirming that Salem audiences should brace themselves for explosive drama. Floyd shared, with visible enthusiasm, that he was “honored to be in Salem” and expressed excitement at joining a cast of seasoned actors who have become icons in the soap world.

Fans were especially intrigued by his emphasis on the psychological complexity of Chad. Floyd explained that Chad’s life is a constant tug-of-war between the darker impulses inherited from the DiMera family and the moral compass instilled by his Horton lineage. This tension, he said, creates a character who is perpetually walking a tightrope between redemption and moral compromise. Unlike previous portrayals, Floyd promises a Chad whose moments of darkness will feel tragic rather than malicious, a man whose inherited tendencies toward ruthlessness occasionally overwhelm his better instincts.

The Spider-Man Symbiote Analogy

Floyd’s description of Chad’s inner conflict has already sparked extensive fan discussion. He likened Chad’s struggle with his DiMera heritage to Spider-Man’s battle with the black symbiote: a force that amplifies his darkest impulses while simultaneously granting power. Just like Spider-Man, Chad cannot fully escape the malevolent influence of his bloodline, and yet he fights tirelessly to resist it. This metaphor perfectly captures the duality that Floyd aims to explore: Chad is not simply a villain, but a man grappling with the shadows within him—a dynamic that promises to deepen the psychological resonance of future storylines.

Billy Flynn’s Graceful Exit

Billy Flynn’s exit has been described by all parties as amicable and professional. Over a decade, Flynn transformed Chad into a complex, beloved character, navigating love, tragedy, family conflict, and redemption arcs. Now, as he steps into a new challenge on The Young and the Restless, Flynn leaves behind a legacy that Floyd must honor while carving out his own path. Flynn has spoken highly of his transition, emphasizing the importance of making Kane Ashby his own while respecting the foundation laid by Daniel Goddard, who originated the character. Fans hope Floyd will adopt a similar approach—honoring Chad’s rich history while boldly exploring new, darker dimensions.

Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz

The response to Connor Floyd’s casting and the leaked footage has been a mix of fascination and horror. Social media platforms are buzzing with theories about Chad’s storylines, psychological struggles, and potential interactions with Salem’s key players. Longtime fans are cautious but intrigued, while Floyd’s followers from The Young and the Restless are eager to see how his talents translate into the Days of Our Lives universe. Entertainment journalists have highlighted the casting swap as a significant moment in daytime television, emblematic of the genre’s ongoing evolution and willingness to take creative risks.

Production Challenges and Adjustments

Floyd has openly discussed the challenges of adapting to Days’ advanced production schedule. Unlike Y&R, where episodes are filmed weeks ahead, Days requires actors to emotionally invest in storylines that won’t air for nearly a year. This demands a unique approach to character development, preparation, and emotional pacing. Seasonal continuity, maintaining Chad’s physical appearance, and syncing with storylines filmed out of sequence all add to the challenge. Yet, Floyd has expressed admiration for the show’s professionalism and the creative opportunities this system provides, suggesting that these challenges will ultimately enrich his portrayal of Chad.

The Anticipated Impact on Salem

With the duality of the DiMera-Horton legacy at its core, Chad’s storylines promise to delve deeper than ever into themes of morality, power, and redemption. Will Chad embrace his Horton compassion, or will the DiMera darkness overwhelm him? Which relationships will be tested as this new iteration of Chad navigates Salem’s treacherous waters? The leaked footage hints at a Chad who is not only dangerous and unpredictable but also deeply conflicted, ensuring that every interaction, decision, and betrayal will carry significant weight.

Looking Ahead

As April 2026 approaches, fans continue to speculate: how will Floyd’s Chad interact with legacy characters? Will his moral battles redefine the character, or will he eventually succumb to the DiMera bloodline? How will Salem itself react to this terrifying, psychologically complex transformation? The anticipation is palpable, and it’s clear that this casting change is more than just a new face in a familiar role—it’s a dramatic reimagining of one of daytime television’s most iconic characters.

Conclusion: Salem Prepares for a Darker, More Complex Chad

Connor Floyd’s debut as Chad DiMera represents a pivotal moment for Days of Our Lives. Between the psychological tension, moral complexity, and advanced filming challenges, fans are set to experience a Chad who is darker, more conflicted, and infinitely more layered than ever before. As anticipation mounts and speculation runs wild, one thing is certain: Salem will never be the same, and audiences are in for a dramatic, thrilling ride.