Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Chandler Massey on Will and EJ's Double Blackmail & playing a darker coming out story!
Photo Credit: Adam Campbell
In a brand new interview out today from On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman with Days of our Lives star, Chandler Massey (Will Horton) exclusively for Frontiersla.com, Chandler discusses Will’s internal struggle to come to terms with sexuality and all the dark twists and turns in Will’s coming out story. Plus, the actor chats on the importance of telling Will’s story to represent the LGBT community who are so under-represented at this point in time in the daytime soap genre.
And this week on DAYS, Will’s story kicks into high gear when he admits to Marlena that he saw EJ and Sami having sex! Then later in the week, things take another drastic turn when Will tries to blackmail EJ DiMera (played by James Scott), so he can get out of town, only EJ has his own plans for Will!
Here are a few interesting excerpts below from the interview!
Chandler on Will and EJ’s sudden double blackmail: “Will’s emotions and his disgust with his mom comes to a boiling point. His grandmother, Marlena, is there to try and diffuse that bomb, but she can only do so much. Will has all these different emotions going on inside him. So he goes to EJ because now he has dirt on him, and also Will wants to make him pay in his own way. And yes, Will could have gone to a different member of his family, but I think this is where he wants to make EJ suffer and really punish him for doing that. Will is hurt most by the fact that his mother betrayed his family, but also she wasn’t doing it by herself, you know what I’m saying? He tries to go to EJ and blackmails him for money to leave town. He wants to get away from his mom. He does not want to come to terms that he is gay yet, and of course, you can’t blackmail a DiMera, especially EJ, because they are going to turn the table on you immediately! And that is what happens. Will is in an emotional state and is not thinking very logically. EJ turns the table and then it turns into a very interesting relationship between the two of them! (Laughs) He now has Will under his thumb for sure, and he will be using that to make Will help him with his political campaign and aspirations to be the mayor of Salem.”
Chandler on DAYS approach to a darker coming out story: “They really want to tell a story that is unique and different from all the other stereotypical stories. I think they realize now is the time to take a risk and do a story like this where it’s not all PG, and not all happy, and everyone is loving and accepting. I think that is what makes this story so great; it’s twisted and dark and has so many facets to it. Another thing I like is they are not making Will the misunderstood goody-goody. He has some edge. He is going into a gray area instead of being such a clean character. I think that’s good too, because most of the storylines I have watched or read about involving a gay character, they seem to be afraid or hesitant to make the character bad. The lines are blurred here.”
Chandler on Will lashing out after Gabi breaks up with him and that kitchen scene! “This is another reason I love how they are writing the story. I just don’t have to play, “Oh man. I’m gay, but I want to hide it.” There are different ways it comes out, for instance, when Gabi broke up with him it came to the surface because Will wanted to keep Gabi and keep her as his safety net, and his pillar of support, and he wanted so bad to be with her and move in with her, and for her to be his beard! But when she broke up with him I was able to play losing his support system. That is much more specific, and that comes across, than just playing the angst that comes from not coming to terms with your own sexuality. And another thing; Will is funneling his denial into other things—like lashing out at his mom and trashing the kitchen.”
Chandler if Will and Sonny have a romantic future ahead of them: “I think anything is a possibility on a soap opera, but the feeling I get currently is that it is just a platonic relationship where ‘I am there for you.’ I don’t want to say “yes” to them as a couple and feed into that stereotype—that just because two guys are gay, and are the only gay guys on screen, that they are going to be together because that might not be it. Will has to do some soul-searching and really find peace within himself before he is ready to find love with someone else. He has to love himself before he can find someone to love him.”
Make sure to read the entire feature by clicking here! And then let us know, what do you think about Will’s storyline? Are you digging Chandler’s performance as much as we are?
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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I am beyond excited for this storyline. I think Chandler is handling this challenging material with such a great sense of responsibility and attitude. I love the directions this coming out storyline is taking; that it isn’t “just” about him being gay, but rather, about the struggle of coming to terms with it. It makes for a complete, well rounded, well layered story. This is exactly what DAYS needs right now!
Chandler Massey is a good actor. But I am not interested in a gay Will Horton story (or any other gay story). Plan to skip over scenes as deemed necessary. Looking forward to watching other storylines on the show.
Producers and writers cannot force people to watch what they don’t want to watch on television (or in movies)!
Funny Gmbenet…that’s how I feel about straight love stories. Maybe soaps should just give up on any love stories all together. That way the homophobes and non-homophobes will have nothing to complain about.And while we are cutting any kind of reality out of soaps why don’t we take rape, unwed sex, teenage sex, any form of crime, extramarital affairs, evil twins, cousins having sex, brothers and sisters accidentally having sex, switched at birth babies, priest having sex, true love, love at first sight, Blacks, Latinos, Asians (except for servant roles of course)…or just any “unethical” stories that one or two audience members find “icky.”
On the other hand…I’m OK with you forwarding over the gay stuff…the soaps would be so boring without all of the above stories (reality or non-reality based) including the gay stories.
Like I said, no one can force anyone to watch what they do not want to watch on television. Fortunately there are plenty of television networks, as well as services such as Direct TV, Dish as well as cable companies to give people a nice variety from which to choose regarding television viewing. There are also DVDs and blu-ray discs of television shows and movies. So if a person doesn’t like what is playing on television, they can pop in a DVD or blu-ray disc (even VHS if you have the equipment). So people don’t have to watch what they don’t want to watch.
And if all else fails, they can turn off the television altogether. I am sure television advertisers would love that!
Adam, as far as you “being okay” about me forwarding over television content I deem objectionable, I don’t remember consulting you on that. What makes you think your opinion about my television viewing habits would matter to me one way or the other?
Great interview. Chandler is certainly one of the best actors on Days currently. Can’t wait for his parents to get involved in his coming out story. Sucks that EJ has to be part of it… He’s such scum and sucks the life out of everything he’s involved in.
I have really been impressed with Chandler’s acting. Not happy with Will being gay as I thought Will and Gabi made a nice couple, but at least Days is making the ‘coming out’ story interesting.
I love Will,his charecter has been on Days all his life,I will be soooooo
happy when Lucas and Sami get involved in his SL too.
I wish EJ would go away for about 5 years :((
Ej is maybe one of the best thing that happened on Days these last years..well when they write him as a grey character, not a one-note cartoon villian..Lucas is alright most of the time, he can be funny intentionally or unintentionally..lol but he stays above all a weak character, supporting character who whines a lot and abuse of self-righteouness, the actor is alright but never great, Sweeney outshines him in every of their scenes..i prefer more complex characters..to each his own of course.
that is your opinion,and I have my op,and stop emeiling me at home,I dont care what you think @@
I am sick to death of EJ myself. Am I the only person alive that knows he shot JOHN? Did I miss that fallout on the show or what? And this Rafe & his double thing-EJ & Stefano just completely got away with that? Seriously. And what about poor Fay? Nicole got over that in a hurry. I remember when EJ first came on-he was a race car driver, wasn’t he & then he dated Kate? Anyway, he has taken over the show & they need to balance things out & back burner him for a while.
I am sick of EJ too,he has to be in every story ,,,, not
I’ll be so happy when Lucas is back,and the writer better give he a GREAT story,for his fans miss him and he should have NEVER lift IMO
i love this story i’d bet my money on ej and will pairing as a gay couple
EJ and Will pairing,how sick is this 🙁
IF we have to have Will gay,make it with Sonny.
if it is not ej what about chad for will as a gay couple
since will is gay out and proud what about will and ej pairing they are so much alike in many ways they can both take it to new lows and heights and will can have some fun with sami to the hilt and to provoking her in many ways in every way possible