Fans of the iconic series can brace themselves for fresh faces, new dynamics, and unexpected twists as the show’s producers and writers usher in an era of change

that will ripple across the town’s most beloved—and troubled—families. The news comes directly from head writers Jeanne Marie Ford and Paula Cwikly,

who recently spoke with TV Insider’s Stephanie Sloan about what viewers can expect in the coming months. Their conversation revealed that several high-profile recasts

are on the horizon, signaling both departures of familiar actors and the introduction of new talent that will bring fresh energy—and drama—to Salem.

Chad DiMera Recast: Connor Floyd Steps In

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing change involves the role of Chad DiMera. Connor Floyd, best known for his work on The Young and the Restless, is set to take over the role beginning in April 2026. Floyd’s casting follows the exit of Billy Flynn, who previously made the role his own for nearly a decade.

Flynn, who joined Days of Our Lives in 2014, originally inherited the role from Casey Deidrick, stepping into the complex world of the DiMera family with a charm that quickly won over fans. During his tenure, Chad’s storylines included intense family drama, romantic entanglements, and his beloved pairing with Abigail Deveraux, a role portrayed over the years by both Kate Mansi and Marci Miller. Flynn’s departure to The Young and the Restless, where he now plays Cane Ashby, marked the end of an era for many fans of the series.

Connor Floyd’s move to Salem represents a reverse of sorts. Having recently exited his role as Chance Chancellor on The Young and the Restless, Floyd now steps into the DiMera dynasty, bringing a new interpretation to a character that has long been central to Salem’s narrative. Sources close to the production suggest that Floyd’s arrival will coincide with storylines designed to challenge Chad’s relationships, particularly with Abigail, and to ignite tension within the ever-turbulent DiMera family. Fans can expect a blend of emotional intensity, moral conflict, and high-stakes drama as the new Chad navigates old rivalries and new temptations.

Ari Hernandez and Rachel Black: More Recasts on the Horizon

In addition to the DiMera shake-up, Days of Our Lives is also recasting the roles of Ari Hernandez and Rachel Black. Marissa Reyes, who has portrayed Ari Hernandez, will be exiting the series, with a new actress stepping into the role in April. Similarly, Alice Halsey will depart from the role of Rachel Black, with her replacement set to debut in March.

While details about the incoming actors have yet to be officially confirmed, the writers hinted that these recasts are designed to breathe new life into the Hernandez and Black families’ storylines. Ari Hernandez, in particular, has been central to a series of emotionally charged arcs, and her recasting could signal a shift in tone, perspective, or even her trajectory in Salem. Meanwhile, Rachel Black’s recast is expected to inject the character with renewed intensity, potentially shaking up existing relationships and alliances.

Uncertain Futures: Javi Hernandez and Thomas DiMera

Other legacy characters are also set to experience change, though some details remain shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest that the role of Javi Hernandez may eventually be recast following Al Calderon’s exit, but the show has yet to make an official announcement. Similarly, the role of Thomas DiMera will be portrayed by a new actor following Cary Christopher’s departure, though timelines and casting details are still under wraps.

The uncertainty surrounding these characters adds a layer of suspense for fans, who are left to speculate on how these shifts will impact Salem’s interconnected families. Both the DiMeras and the Hernandezes are pivotal to the show’s ongoing narrative, and any changes to the actors portraying them will inevitably affect storylines, relationships, and long-standing rivalries.

The Impact of Recasting on Salem’s Storylines

Recasting has long been a staple of the soap opera genre, and Days of Our Lives has repeatedly leveraged this tradition to refresh storylines and keep legacy characters relevant. While the practice can be jarring for devoted fans, it often allows the show to explore new dimensions of familiar roles, pushing characters in directions that might not have been possible with previous actors.

Ford and Cwikly emphasized that the upcoming recasts are not merely cosmetic. “We’re excited to bring fresh energy to these characters,” Cwikly told TV Insider. “Each new actor will bring a different perspective, and that allows us to explore their motivations and relationships in ways that feel exciting and unpredictable.” Ford added that the show’s core themes—family loyalty, betrayal, love, and redemption—will continue to drive the narrative, even as the faces portraying these characters evolve.

For example, Chad DiMera’s recast promises to reignite the tension and drama surrounding the DiMera-Abigail pairing. Fans can expect the complex love triangle, family scheming, and moral dilemmas that have long defined Salem’s most passionate storylines to reach new heights. Meanwhile, the Hernandez and Black recasts may lead to renewed rivalries, unexpected alliances, and the potential for shocking betrayals that will reverberate across the canvas.

Balancing Legacy and Innovation

One of the ongoing challenges for Days of Our Lives is maintaining continuity while also keeping the story fresh. The show’s writers and producers have historically managed this balancing act by carefully integrating new actors into established storylines, allowing them to honor the history of the characters while also carving out space for new interpretations.

The upcoming recasts demonstrate a commitment to both preserving Salem’s rich legacy and pushing the narrative into uncharted territory. By introducing actors like Connor Floyd and reimagining other familiar roles, the show is signaling that 2026 will be a year of transformation—one in which familiar faces may look different, but the emotional stakes and dramatic intensity remain as high as ever.

Fan Reactions and Speculation

As news of the cast changes spreads, fans have already taken to social media to share their reactions. Many expressed excitement at the prospect of fresh interpretations, while others voiced concern about losing the performances that have defined these characters for years. Soap opera audiences are famously passionate, and recasts often ignite debate about which actor can best embody the essence of a character.

Industry insiders suggest that the timing of these recasts—coinciding with new story arcs and major events in Salem—will help ease the transition. By introducing new actors alongside compelling storylines, the show aims to capture viewer attention and generate buzz, ensuring that the recasts feel like a natural evolution rather than a disruption.

Looking Ahead

As Days of Our Lives prepares for these multiple cast changes, one thing is clear: Salem is on the brink of a dramatic transformation. From Chad DiMera’s new incarnation to the recasts of Ari Hernandez, Rachel Black, and beyond, 2026 promises to be a year of reinvention, emotional intensity, and unpredictable twists.

For longtime viewers, these changes may evoke a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. Legacy characters will continue to anchor the story, but the infusion of new talent ensures that Salem remains a place where drama, romance, and intrigue are never in short supply. Fans can expect that the upcoming months will bring storylines rich in emotional complexity, moral dilemmas, and the signature twists that have made Days of Our Lives a daytime television institution for decades.

In short, the recasts are not just changes—they are an invitation to reimagine Salem, to explore familiar characters in new ways, and to experience the joy, heartbreak, and unpredictability that define the world of Days of Our Lives. For viewers, the question is no longer who will step into these iconic roles—but how these new interpretations will reshape Salem itself.