Salem is no stranger to secrets, shocking returns, and dramatic reinventions—but the latest casting news surrounding Days of Our Lives has ignited speculation across t

he soap world like few announcements in recent memory. The buzz began the moment it was revealed that actress Sofia Mattsson, beloved by fans for her long-running role

as Sasha Gilmore on General Hospital, had officially joined the cast of Days of Our Lives. And yet, despite the excitement surrounding her arrival, one crucial detail remains hidden: no one knows who she’s playing.

That secrecy alone has been enough to send fans into overdrive. In daytime television, a casting announcement without a character name is rarely accidental. Instead, it often signals a twist so explosive that producers are determined to keep it under wraps until the perfect moment. And judging by the mounting speculation, Mattsson’s mystery role could trigger one of the biggest shake-ups Salem has seen in years.

From Port Charles to Salem

Sofia Mattsson built a loyal fan following during her seven-year run on General Hospital, where she portrayed Sasha Gilmore—a character whose emotional journey captivated audiences. Sasha’s storyline was anything but easy. The character endured addiction, devastating loss, and shocking family revelations, including the discovery that she was the daughter of legendary adventurers Holly Sutton and Robert Scorpio.

Mattsson’s portrayal of Sasha earned widespread praise for its vulnerability and depth, making her departure from the ABC soap last year a bittersweet moment for fans. At the time, the actress admitted that leaving the show was both exciting and frightening, hinting that she wasn’t done with daytime drama just yet.

Now, that promise has come full circle.

In a joint social media post shared with the official Days of Our Lives account, Mattsson confirmed she had joined the long-running Peacock soap and had already begun filming. However, beyond a smiling photo beside her dressing room door, the announcement offered almost no additional details.

No character name.
No storyline hints.
No clues.

Instead, Mattsson simply described her role as “complex and interesting,” promising viewers “exciting storylines and lots of drama.”

But one seemingly small detail caught fans’ attention immediately—and it may hold the biggest clue of all.

The Hair That Started a Thousand Theories

For years, Sofia Mattsson has been closely associated with her signature blonde look. Yet for her new role on Days of Our Lives, the actress has undergone a dramatic transformation, debuting a darker brunette hairstyle.

In most television series, that might be little more than a cosmetic change. In soap operas, however, appearance shifts often carry deeper meaning. Hair color changes frequently signal identity twists, recasts, or long-lost characters returning with a new face.

And in Salem, that possibility has opened the floodgates for speculation.

Could Abigail DiMera Be Returning?

Among the many theories circulating online, one name dominates the conversation: Abigail Deveraux DiMera.

The beloved character, daughter of Jack Deveraux and Jennifer Horton, was tragically killed in 2022 after being stabbed during a shocking storyline involving Clyde Weston. Yet longtime viewers know that death in Salem is rarely permanent. Over the decades, characters presumed dead have returned under increasingly dramatic circumstances, often revealing elaborate schemes or mistaken identities.

Recent story developments have only fueled the theory further. Clyde Weston was left in a coma after hinting that Abigail’s supposed remains might not have been what they seemed. That cryptic clue reopened the door to one of the soap’s most tantalizing possibilities: Abigail might still be alive.

Enter Sofia Mattsson.

Several factors make the casting theory particularly convincing. First, Abigail has historically been portrayed as a brunette—matching Mattsson’s newly darkened hair. Second, the timing aligns with another major development on the show: the recasting of Chad DiMera.

Longtime actor Billy Flynn is departing the role, with Connor Floyd stepping in as the new Chad beginning this April. If the writers plan to reintroduce Abigail in the future, pairing a newly recast Chad with a fresh face for Abigail could provide a natural reset for the beloved couple.

The idea of Abigail walking back into the DiMera mansion—alive after years of presumed death—would undoubtedly send shockwaves through Salem. For fans who never accepted the character’s tragic exit, such a twist would be nothing short of seismic.

Other Possibilities Stirring the Rumor Mill

Of course, Abigail isn’t the only character fans believe Mattsson could portray.

Another popular theory suggests the show may be recasting Allie Horton, Sami Brady’s daughter. Allie has been absent from Salem for some time, leaving the door open for a return—possibly with a new actress. Mattsson’s ability to portray both emotional vulnerability and fierce determination could make her an intriguing choice to bring fresh depth to the role.

There’s also speculation that she could take over the role of Teresa Donovan, a character known for her unpredictable personality and complicated ties to the Kiriakis family. Teresa has already been recast multiple times in the past, making another reinvention entirely possible.

Still, there remains the chance that Mattsson isn’t playing a familiar character at all.

With several high-profile exits affecting the show’s lineup, the writers may be introducing an entirely new figure designed to shake up Salem’s power dynamics. A mysterious newcomer with secrets of her own could easily become the catalyst for multiple storylines heading into 2027.

A Major Move for Days of Our Lives

Regardless of the character she ultimately portrays, Mattsson’s casting represents a significant move for Days of Our Lives.

Recasts are a staple of the soap genre, but recruiting a popular leading actress directly from another major daytime series carries a different level of significance. In an era where the number of soaps has steadily declined, such a move suggests that Days is investing heavily in fresh talent to keep its storytelling vibrant and competitive.

Mattsson herself has expressed genuine enthusiasm about joining the show. The Swedish-born actress revealed that she grew up watching Days of Our Lives, making her casting feel like a full-circle moment.

That passion could translate into a performance that quickly resonates with viewers—especially if the role carries the dramatic weight fans expect.

A Mystery That Could Change Salem

For now, the mystery remains firmly locked away behind the studio doors. Producers appear determined to keep Mattsson’s character under wraps, likely saving the reveal for a high-profile sweeps episode.

Until then, speculation will continue to grow.

Is Sofia Mattsson stepping into the role of Abigail Deveraux DiMera, bringing one of Salem’s most beloved characters back from the dead? Or is she arriving as an entirely new force capable of rewriting the town’s power structure?

In Salem, surprises are part of the DNA of the show. Logic often takes a backseat to shock value, emotional twists, and jaw-dropping revelations.

But one thing is certain: Sofia Mattsson’s arrival is already sending ripples through the soap world. Whether she emerges as a resurrected heroine, a recast legacy character, or a dangerous newcomer, her presence promises to ignite drama on a massive scale.

Salem may not know it yet—but the mystery brunette is coming, and when the truth finally explodes into the open, the fallout could change everything.