Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Chandler Massey Talks Re-Shoots Of Will’s Murder & His Highly-Anticipated Return!
Photo: Stephanie Nelson Photography
In one of his first interviews since being back at Days of our Lives, three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Chandler Massey, spoke to the New York Post about his upcoming on-screen return as Will Horton.
The back-story: fans followed Will’s coming-out journey as played by Massey. Then after Massey left the show, Guy Wilson stepped into the key role, only to eventually have the character murdered.
Now in true soap plausibility, there are many a back-from-the-dead stories, and it looks like that will prove true for Will. Massey told the NY Post: “Will certainly wouldn’t be the first person to come back from the dead. They have a medically plausible explanation.”
In fact as part of his return, Massey had to re-shoot key scenes in Will’s storyline, including the character’s violent murder, in moments previously played by Guy Wilson.
Chandler related: “The scenes were very intense and required a lot of energy, but I don’t think it’s weird. When I first started working on the show, I was a recast. There’s a kid named Dylan (Patton), who played Will before me, and there were a bunch of Wills before him. So that’s just kind of how it goes, you know?”
As to what fans should watch for when Will return’s, it’s obvious he will be thrown into a romantic dilemma, since his one-time husband, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) is about to marry another man, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean). Massey weighs-in on what’s important to Will upon his return: “The most obvious thing will be Sonny, his longtime love, is involved with someone else now. It throws a pretty sizable wrench into (that) romance.”
Look for Massey to first appear back on DAYS in scenes with his on-screen father, Bryan Dattilo, which are slated to air this Friday, when Lucas has a vision of Will. Then look for more Massey come October on the long-running NBC soap!
So, excited to see how Will comes back to the Salem canvas? How do you think it will happen? Comment below.
PRAISE THE SOAP GODS HE IS NOT A GHOST! ! this is the best NEWS EVER! Ron Loves the gays so he is about to deliver a FIRE love triangle of Will/Paul/Sonny! I CANNOT WAIT! SO glad tptb revived this legacy character! I cant wait to see him and Sami Brady! An EJ recast is doable too! Find that hot Aussie guy who played Simon on As The World Turns!!!!!
No EJ recast. Only original will do.
If TPTB had to bring Will back to “rewrite” the wrong of a legacy character’s death, thankfully they were able to bring back Chandler Massey and not Guy Wilson. I’m just not interested in this love triangle. Sonny has gone from a one time coffee house owner/”club” owner to a wannabee career criminal with slicked back hair carrying a weapon-no thanks. Sonny is laughable as a “thug.”
“Just what daytime needs: another mobster named Sonny,” said Jamesj75 in sarcastic tones…
“James, my friend…love the sarcasm and dry humor”, said Celia, in serious tones…..
James…your ‘sarcastic tones’ are perfectly noted, Brother…said I-I-I, The Jaybird369, in very supportive tones……….
Awwww…aren’t we just a great, fun bunch? Yeayyyy for us!!!! Love you James, and Jay and dmr and 4ever….love EVERYONE on this site…love my Jimmy…
I said he would come back…they probably found a pulse or something off camera and he has been in a coma…only Sami knew and staged a fake funeral to protect him from Ben…i guess Paul and Sonny will set a wedding date …the doors fly open…there stands Will…
Sounds perfect to me !!
The doors fly open there stands Will In an off the shoulder white dress and slicked back hair- he gingerly walks to the two grooms says “sonny I’m back” then falls to the floor unconscious as the wedding guests look on in shock. Oh wait. .that was Phyllis on Y&R LOL! !
Yes, you did, Jimmy….we had both agreed he was whisked away, and under his mother’s care. I remember it well.
YEP!
“You are always such a pleasure, Celia, and I appreciate that,” said Jamesj75 in sincere tones…
“great, fun bunch,” indeed! Thank you, Celia! 🙂
I do think someone faked Will’s death but i don’t think it was Sami because i can’t see her keeping Will away from his other loved ones for nearly 2 years.Plus i can’t see Will willingly staying away from his daughter for nearly 2 years.So my guess is Will had no part in faking his death.
Chandler being back as Will is great news. Hope he sticks around for a while. Looks like Ron is just what Days needed.
With the release of the picture today of Lucas seeing the vision of Will in church, I am very disappointed the return is only of him as a ghost, spirit or angel. Is Will only the imagination of a drunk Lucas?
Now if they had a story of Will’s spirit appearing which leads them to Memphis in search of Will in the flesh and Will is actually taken back to Salem, then I would be happy.
But now I have read Chandler Massey is only there to film scenes until April.
I was hoping this would be a story line of Will actually returning in the flesh and getting back together with Sonny.
It’s almost a given that Will’s first appearance is other than in the flesh, James, but not to worry, Chandler is still taping after he began six months ago. Will will be in the flesh!
Did you read the article?
If Will was just coming back as ghost i don’t think the show would have re-shot his death scenes.
Happy to have Chandler back as Will. Most excited to see Will with his daughter and Gaby.
Chandler Massey!!! Just a great big hell yes. I know it’s going to be hard to explain his on screen death and I am willing to suspend my disbelief for this character to come back and radiate. Ron Carlivati is the one writer who can make Will the great character he was. No shade on Guy Wilson. He had a HUGE void to fill with Chandler’s departure. I, personally, think Guy Wilson could not overcome his inability to be Will Horton. That is why at the end of his run he was always angry or pouty on screen. It was the only emotion he could convey convincingly. To me when Will was “murdered” on screen it was a relief because I couldn’t bear to watch the character any more. Chandler Massey always gave Will a sense of peace about him in the midst of having Sami as a Mom. I hope Chandler’s portrayal remains true to his previous portrayal. As for the Sonny/Paul/Will triangle I am ready for it. I have a question…and it isn’t a mean one, I just want to know if the actor who plays Sonny has gained weight. He looks bigger than he was when Will was around previously. I am just asking innocently because I feel bad making this even a question. Anyone care to share? Anyway, glad Chandler Massey is back and that he is ready to go. DAYS has got to be the most improved show and I have to say I give the credit to Carlivati for re-energizing his cast and crew and for giving the audience stories we want to get excited about.
I didnt even notice that about Sonny…anyway, its my belief about Will that off camera a faint pulse or heartbeat was found…maybe a paramedic seen him still breathing…he is is a coma…Sami is there and takes over-stages his funeral and all to protect him from Ben…she was seeing to his care..he wakes up-maybe with amnesia or not and now its safe for him to cone back home!!!…only plausible way i think it would work!!!
I read that the actor who portrays Sonny has lost some weight since some of these scenes were done – I don’t really “feel” the chemistry between Paul and Sonny even though I am happy to see gay characters back on the canvas. Fans, I thought, were very critical of Guy Wilson’s performance as Will when he was trying his best. Now I guess there will be a triangle with the return of Will as played by Chandler. To me, though, it feels odd because Will (as played at the time by Guy Wilson) wrote that story about Paul and now he’s being played once again by Chandler and sometimes it’s difficult to keep it all together – I DID feel a chemistry between Guy Wilson’s “Will” and Sonny regardless of whether I thought Guy Wilson was great in the role or not. Is this post making any sense?
I say bring back Derrick the Bell boy he was so cute to look at and the writers gave him NOTHING to do – they could have really thrown a curve into the storyline but they did nothing with it.
I just don’t like Paul. I don’t know what it is. I agree. I don’t feel any chemistry between Paul and Sonny. I think Sonny had more chemistry with the amulet.
I’m glad Chandler is bringing Will back. His coming out story was what got me hooked on DOOL.
I never cared for Guy’s portrayal of Will, so I wasn’t that upset when they killed him off.
However, I’m excited to have Chandler’s Will back and anxious to see how they resurrect him.
So not happy about this. what happened to dead is dead and how can you rewrite something that has happened so long ago. We all watched will get strangled. His body dumped in a different location still dead. Buried, dead. This is just stupid. Sorry not sorry
making the biggest wrong in soaps right, thank you Ron
I am sooooo glad Chandler Massey is returning to Days. I can’t wait to see his scenes with Sonny, Paul, Marlena, Gabi and Sami
This story is going to be so good and it hasn’t even started yet. Thank God for Ron!!!
first and foremost : Bryan Datillo as Lucas…. he’s going to be a father again.
inasmuch as it’s going to be great to see him with gramma Marlena
Will bond with both of them… are what I’m looking forward
————-
things that make you go hummmm
or whatever…. the matching black tank tops… on Paul and Sonny
just made me go – OK – reminded me of Jason and Sam.
Will has so many standout moments with so many characters
Sonny – Gabs – Kate – Abs – Arianna Grace
Thank you Soap Gods
The only thing is, when Will died and he was played by Guy Wilson, Sonny heard the news while out of the Country and of course came back for the Funeral in Fake Leaf Park. Now, Will is going to be played by Chandler (who “left to pursue school” which means really that they have renegotiated his contract at Days) and Chandler had no scene history with Christopher Sean who plays Paul. So, to me, it won’t feel like uh oh here we go again – it will have a different kind of an ‘edge’ to it. Right now, the show really kind of needs help because these ‘look-a-like’ characters (Marlena, Adrianne) are ridiculous and the storylines are weak. So, who can say, maybe this will be an improvement.
Well Chandler Massey did go back to college after leaving Days because he promised his parents he would do that once his contract with Days expired.
I have been enjoying the story with John and Marlina and they didnt drag it out and they will find out about bonnie in few days would be glad to see will back
Can’t wait to see Chandler as Will back on Days. Bring it on!
I have been hoping for Chandler to come back since the day he left. No one plays Will like Chandler. The Paul/Sonny storyline looks like two brothers. The affection Freddie and Chandler have for each other always showed in their work on camera. I love Paul but he needs to find someone else. He had more chemistry with Derrick.
And suddenly the universe has meaning again…
Massey seemed to have acting chemistry in almost every scene with almost every other actor. It should be interesting to see new chemistry with actors and characters who are new to him.
This I “gotta” see….how will the re-shoot be managed without Ben?? Lots of technical maneuvering? Can’t wait to see Chandler—–can’t wait to hear how Will is resurrected.
Maybe he was living stashed away in Switzerland with Sami, EJ and the kids, as I suggested months and months ago???? Did Marlena know? Who else?? Did Lucas??? Hmmmm.
In-te-resting!!
Rob Scott Wilson returned to re-shoot the “murder” scene, Celia. And because he returned for the recreated flashback, it’s a possibility to see Ben in the present. That may have been Ben at the end of yesterDAYS’ (09-11-17) episode!
You’re right….always are. Thanks, 4ever.
But if Rob Wilson returns as Ben (which has been announced) then I guess he will be shown strangling Will in a flashback but this time instead of Guy Wilson being killed it will be Chandler as Will in a re-creation of that chilling scene.
Yes, sounds good, Jake. That’s very logical.
Chandler was brought back instead of Guy because Guy was horrible. I didn’t like his interpretation of Will at all.
But of course, Chandler couldn’t say that. I don’t even know why they asked him that unless it was with the hope that he would say something controversial.
Did Chandler finish college?
It was stated by his representation that he left the show “to pursue his studies” but what that actually probably translates to is that his agents renegotiated a higher pay contract with the people at Days of Our Lives. I guess the fans were not happy with the temporary recasting of Will and they were certainly vocal about their disapproval, just as the fans have spoken (at times harshly) about the actress who was playing Hope’s daughter, Ciarra.
Chandler said in the past that he promised that once his contract with Days expired he’d go back to college.Now Chandler has admitted that he made a mistake in that he announced that he was leaving Days at the 2013 Daytime Emmys before he told the show.
Excuse the pun but where there is a Will there will be a way.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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