Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith On Guy Wilson's Upcoming Debut as Will: "Guy has definitely put his own little twist on who the character is!"
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) of Days of our Lives spoke with About.com about the upcoming on-screen debut of Guy Wilson in the coveted role of Will Horton, and what that will mean for WilSon fans!
A DAYS fan favorite, Smith admitted after working for two and a half years with two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Chandler Massey there were some nerves on his half with the Will switcheroo! Freddie explained,”I was nervous going into it. But Guy Wilson is a great actor and person.”
However, Freddie was quick to point out that Guy Wilson’s take on Will Horton is going to be uniquely his own adding: “Guy is his own person, so he’s bringing something new to the character; his own little flavor. Will is is getting older and evolving. Guy has definitely put his own little twist on who the character is.”
So, are you looking forward to seeing how Freddie and Guy slip into the on-screen relationship of Sonny and Will? Let us know!
This is so funny I cant believe people will actually buy Guy Wilson playing Will. They should have paired Sonny with someone else or better yet not fired Chandler Massey. It will end in tears very quickly
Uh Chandler LEFT, he wasn’t fired! Also it’s not like this is the ONLY exit in Days’ history
Right, he had chosen to leave and DAYS found GW so they had Chandler go sooner so they could hire this actor. I’m assuming they felt he would do a really good job. Matthew you could at least wait and see. I am going to miss Chandler too.
Oh he was fired Enrique and you know it. Stop being like all the other out there who believe people like Meng. Noone is blindsided and cries out of utter shock if it was their decision. He wanted a wedding and probably more freedom in his personal life but it was too real for Days so they had to cut him loose before a wedding happened. They cant keep covering up their secrets forever
interesting and so not true. he was fired.
And just for the record Enrique everyone knows Freddie did a test with Guy Wilson the night before Chandler was fired as Freddie told a few fans. They lied about having a recast in place just like they lied about not wanting a recast. I bet Freddie and Guy didn’t do a chemistry test either thus all this BS about them having to hang out every day. If they “have it” why make a point of telling us article after article that they are friends and ‘tight’ with simply no evidence. Same PR nonsense is simply not going to work because people are not idiots
When i go to the deli, i often like to try a free sample before i buy the product…same goes here with the nuWill…i want to sample him in the role first before i decide if i like him or not…sure CM is a hard act to follow but us fans still should give the new ‘GUY’ a chance. If you were replacing someone in their job who did great, wouldnt you want to be given a chance to prove yourself a good or not replacement first by showing what you could do instead of being judged before you even get started?(note: this is a friendly reply to your comments, so i hope you dont think i was criticizing you or being mean in any way!)
CHANDLER HAS BEEN FIRED YOU SHOULD ALL OPEN YOUR EYES A SECOND
I dont believe youre buying all this crap, all those lies, comeone no way that guy will fit in, and hes a homophob, noone will watch, just a few, but not the majority!! so im not giving him a bloody chance, because hes ruined his chances by being a stupid prat on twitter!! that s all, and its obvious that Freddie and him DONT MATCH AT ALL
Chandler announced he was leaving Days before TPTB even knew it(it was his decision to leave so he really wasnt fired!)…he was let go a lot sooner than expected because they found someone they believe is a suitable replacement…end of story!
I think there is a whole lot more to this than meets the eye and wish someone with the courage would just say so.
Chandler indicated to me last year he was thinking of not renewing there is no way for a second I believe days execs didn’t know about it before the emmys as I trust him at his word.
He said he was going to speak to his family and cast but something happened in Cordays mind do change his mind about everything. This was personal against Chandler and to replace with someone he doesn’t even like is the ultimate insult. To me I think they were getting fed up with bigots wanting the story to end and this could be away to eliminate the gay story by bringing back older cast and younger cast leaving every day they might just break them up sooner than expected
[The ‘me’ who posted December 25th, 2013 at 6:14am is NOT me but I agree with them!]
Matthew, I agree. Chandler was fired. He may have wanted to leave at some point, but certainly not months earlier than his contract’s end and certainly not just at the time when they started taping he WilSon wedding, which he wanted to be part of!
I also agree that they won’t be able to cover their lies for forever! Or probably they will actually, because money talks and Hollywood is still as homophobic as ever. Disgrace!
I am looking forward to seeing how Guy Wilson plays Will and what kind of spin he puts on the character. I hope the WilSon relationship continues to grow and become stronger with time. I would like to see this couple get engaged and married and be a family.
I completely agree…would love to see the Wilson romance end up as a married couple. It is about time and they truly love each other.
Boring they love each other now they wont love each other next year when the love triangle finally happens
Only time Will tell if this works out…im WILLing to give the new ‘GUY’ a chance! Be patient folks! And have a Happy New Will! lol
I’m sorry I’m not looking forward to it. Chandler has put an indelible stamp on the character of Will Horton and I just don’t think it will work with anyone else. Ppl can give Guy all the chance they want I think ppl are going to be disappointed IMO.
And you can “think” all you want but only time will tell. Chandler chose to leave. Would you prefer no Will?
Oh Lisa he didn’t choose to leave please Chandler hasn’t told you the whole story as Days don’t want it to get out there what really happened but they cant cover up the truth forever. And no one has to like Guy Wilson no one he will destroy the character which Chandler and Freddie both no is the ultimate goal of Ken Corday. He wants the gays out of Salem for good
Sandra this is what Ken wants to screw up everything Chandler and Freddie did to resurrect his show from extinction. He isn’t a man and never will be as he keeps all his minions firmly under his control and doesn’t let the cast speak their mind. He knows exactly why he fired Chandler and why it was Guy Wilson of all people hired and he will be exposed very soon if the media will get off their a**** and to their job properly instead of asking Freddie Smith to lie to the public to save his job
I would NOT prefer no Will, but it should and could have been Chandler, if they hadn’t FIRED him. I have no interest in Guy Wilson and I won’t be watching. He is not worthy of the role. Very disappointing. It breaks my heart for Freddie, but I’m not brave enough.
KC, Sammy – agreed!
Looking forward to the new incarnation of Will. For the negative attitudes, soaps have recasts. It’s part of the continuing story aspect of the genre. Some recasts work. Some don’t. Some of the greatest roles in soap opera history have been recast and owned and defined by their replacements:
Jess Walton as Jill on Y&R
Erika Slezak as Victoria on OLTL
Victoria Wyndham as Rachel on AW
Mary Beth Evans as Kayla on DAYS
Jill Larson as Opal on AMC
John Ingle as Edward on GH
Constance Towers as Helena on GH
Let’s give this new “Guy” a chance.
I agree, those are all fantastic actors and actresses who were recasts. I’m willing to give Guy Wilson a chance for sure, and I hope Chandler Massey finds another acting gig, he’s a truly talented actor.
Btw, you forgot a few others, like Peter Bergman as Jack, Michael Muhney as Adam and Billy Miller as Billy, all on Y&R; Laura Wright as Carly, Kirsten Storms as Maxie, and (perhaps most shockingly) Genie Francis as Laura, all on GH… the list goes on
I agree…we need to give Guy a chance. Re-casts are always difficult, especially when they happen so quickly (one day it’s CM, the next it’s GW), but like Jared & Jimmy said, many of our favorite characters are re-casts of former fan favorites.
It’s sad when so many people get online and start criticizing actors before they’ve even seen them in the role.
Starting rumors to try to turn people against them is sickening.
Adding in the recast category….
Genie Francis as Laura Spencer
Leslie Charlson as Monica Quartermaine
Robin Mattson as Heather Webber
Greg Vaughn as Eric Brady on DOOL
Eric Martsoff as Brady Black
Chandler Massey as Will Horton!
Lauren koslow who plays Kate, Wills granny, is also a recast!
Wayne Northrop originated the role of Roman Brady, too.
That’s all great for you who have been watching soaps for decades. I only tuned into DAYS to watch the coming out story. Then I got so hooked, because Freddie and Chandler portrayed their character with so much love, commitment, intensity, reality, that I can’t stomach either of them being replaced. And Guy Wilson is the last they should have cast for the role of Will.
One fan less, NBC. But you don’t care anyway.
I love Chandler and wish he wasn’t going, but it was his choice to leave. I’m really excited about Guy stepping in. From his reels on youtube, he seems like a strong actor, and from his twitter, he seems like a really great person. He’s taking on a difficult role, with important ties to the show, and years worth of history, not to mention with a huge fanbase. It’s a hellova task, but I’m rooting for him.
Jules have you seen his twitter at all the guy is a racist homophobe and never discusses gay issues hes not a nice person at all. He thinks hes like a God or something but funny how the cast don’t talk about him and only a couple of them seem to want to have their picture with him
Sammy, I’m sorry I’m even replying to your response because it frankly doesn’t deserve one. But I feel for anyone reading this who takes what you wrote as fact, I owe it to them to say something about what you wrote.
Slinging the words “racist homophobe” around is no joke. That’s a completely baseless, unfounded accusation you’re hurling with absolutely no grounds to back it up. Furthermore, everything he’s said on twitter (from what I’ve seen anyway) says otherwise. He is truly proud of taking on a character who plays such an important role on the show, in daytime, and on TV.
Secondly, not discussing gay issues does not make some a racist homophobe. And furthermore, it’s an individual’s choice to speak about gay issues, or any issues for that matter. If he chooses not to, so be it. Does that mean he won’t in the future? No, he may very well as he gains notoriety and acceptance from the daytime and gay communities. But even if he chooses not to, that’s a personal choice and does not make him a homophobe, a racist, or categorize him as “not a nice person”. Period.
Third, where did you get the idea he thinks he’s “like a G-d”? Nevermind, don’t answer that. I don’t really care and don’t believe you’d have an answer anyway.
Fourth, it isn’t “funny” the cast doesn’t talk about him. A) I don’t believe that’s true at all. At the top of my head Ali Sweeney posted a picture of a group all going to lunch, Guy included; B) I don’t see the cast talking about John Aniston. Do they not like him either? and C) One has nothing to do with the other! The logic of not talking about someone or not posting a picture with them equates not liking someone does not correlate one stretch.
In short, grow up. He’s an actor doing a job. He hasn’t even started yet and you’re already making egregious judgment calls? Who do you think you are? G-d?
Maybe i am wrong…ive watched soaps 4 50 years now and seen many recasts in that time…some i liked and some i disliked but im not going to judge nuWill yet…im going to give it a month or two b4 i make up my mind!
Question: If he was such a “racist homophobe,” why on earth would he even take a role like this?
Answer: HE WOULDN’T
SZima – he would because it’s money and he isn’t doing much anyway, except re/tweet stupidity.
I just saw his twitter and seemed to embrace everyone equally and mostly tweets about his family and new job. What twitter were you looking at? And who in their right mind takes a national daytime drama role portraying a gay character just for the money. Many a daytime actor has nixed that idea and some have left or just declined a role because of this factor. And why would cast members just randomly talk about fellow castmates unless they’re pretty close. Like Allison and Kristian who carpool to the studio on a regular basis.
Recasts, like it or not, happen. They always will as actors move on. There’s no grand underhand scheme by Ted Corday or the writers. It is what it is. Although I do think Chandler should have made his plans known to his BOSSES before the MEDIA. Lame move on his part.
Loved your answer to Sammy…
Love this jimh you are wrong and so is Jules just you wait and see when next year it all falls apart and Corday will suffer the wrath of every fan
@Sammy: Actually, fans are harmless. They’re more energy-efficient than an air-conditioner and an electric fan. Just swing it back and forth and you get some wind kicking in.
January 2 2014 is the day Will Horton dies for me and a lot of people out there. Chandler Massey was chosen for the role because they always wanted to make the character gay and he was the perfect fit. Guy Wilson is nothing but a selfish and disrespectful brat who will destroy what Chandler and Freddie created. I see no point in this recast. When are we going to actually hear some truth from Days at why they did change their mind? They are in capable of being honest with the fans
How is he a “disrespectful brat”? Care to elaborate with any clear and solid physical evidence?
Agreed James!
I would love to have ACTUAL, FACTUAL EVIDENCE of all the slanderous things some of these people are saying.
“Me thinks they doth protest too much!”
Just go read some of the stuff he tweets, retweets, favorites. It’s insulting. You want evidence, but you keep your eyes shut. So what’s the point. You go keep watching and I and many others will not. You and TPTB dudes win. Again. No progress.
@ME_ you are one bitter YOU_
I can only imagine the rant and rave issued forth from you when Mel Blanc was replaced by Daws Butler as Barney Rubble for five episodes of the Flintstones. I shudder to think of your reaction when you heard that new Barney for the first time.
davlestev1 – you are being silly. You know it’s just not ‘a recast’ thing, but the reason why Chandler was let go. And I’ve never watched the American version of the Flintstones.
I cant believe how some people like this Guy. Hes not attractive at all or a nice person why did they hire him apart from to break the couple up for good. Freddie should just leave now his talent will be wasted as hes lost someone he loves deeply and has to work with someone who fans don’t like. Good luck days as your days are numbered
DAYS numbers will go up!
The only thing DAYS will lack are lackluster performances!
DAYS numbers will never go up because it will not be renewed more cast will leave soon
4everDAYS – that’s it isn’t it? People want the WilSon storyline to continue only do because they hope GW will be more aggressive and explicit in the intimate scenes. Nobody cares about the storyline, which sucks by the way, because it’s again a story about someone else, that Will & Sonny are only marginally part of. At the beginning Nick’s homophobic behaviour was interesting and put a strain on WilSon. Now the murder plot is just ridiculous and the they are making Will dumb again.
The best part and historic soap/TV moment with their wedding is coming up and they fired Chandler just before they started taping for it.
And even IF Chandler wanted to leave early, TPTB had a very crappy way of handling his exit. Unforgivable. Same with Michael Muhney.
Saw the photo of the NuWilson, the pic looks awkward, they don’t look like a couple, they look more like brothers… Sorry to say this..but it will never parallel what. Chandler and Freddie has done to the role.. 🙁
Agree the pic says that Freddie cant stand to be near him I find it so funny that is the best pic they came up with. Chandler and Freddie had a connection of the charts hot but Guy looks about 40 and is so unattractive plus has terrible qualities so the only reason they cast him was to break the couple up eventually. Wish the cast would just stop talking lies and said what they really are behind the scenes or doesn’t the media have strength to report the truth?
You are acting like there is a conspiracy. You need help.
You are acting like you need help open your eyes
and perhaps before referring to people in that way think before you speak
Chandler chose to leave and announced it b4 the show even knew…the show found a replacement quicker than expected and told CM he’d be off the show sooner than planned…CM was suprised by this but wasnt fired…end of story!
Actually its not end of story as its not true and its time Michael Fairman stopped with the crap and actually told us what he knows. Chandler did inform days of his intentions long before his emmy speech as several people know this and they didn’t find a replacement before he was fired otherwise Freddie Smith is a liar. Maybe its time to speak to the casting department at days or are they forbidden as well from speaking out just like the whole cast seems to be
Honestly, I’m just waiting to hear that they’re writing them off the show. They already have a baby, and now are gonna get married which is a kiss of death on a soap. Camila’s leaving, probably along with Blake, so without those characters, Will and Sonny won’t have any story. They’ll either become the gay Doug and Julie who are only seen at holidays, or be written off. I’m not even upset if that happens, and i wouldve been months ago, but they don’t write for these guys and their characterizations suck
Sammy: Chandler wanted to leave and was willing anyway to just let his contract with Days finished itself out. But it was a wrong call for Chandler to speak about him wanting to leave publicly too soon as he’s character is still driving story and the show had yet to even start a casting call for his replacement at the time. I’m sure he didn’t even approach Ken Corday on wanting to leave. As with any profession, you don’t do that behind your employer’s back.
He was let go earlier just as he finished shooting his scenes in the final episodes for the year several months ago which are now being aired at the moment. As scripts may have already been written long before they were shot, any last-minute rewrites to allow the character to exit for a certain amount of time might prove detrimental to whatever stories Will is involved with (i.e. Nick’s “murder”).
But it’s really unlike what happened with the Chad Duell-Drew Garret recast issue in GH as well as that other recast issue with Drew Tyler Bell-Adam Gregory in B&B where in those cases, the reason why both Drew Garret and Drew Tyler Bell were let go, when both never had any sentiments of leaving their respective shows, was that the TPTB wanted to give their respective characters a new direction in story (but there was certainly more to there though).
And hey, if there’s anything good coming out of this is that Chandler can resume his studies in university. It’s not always do we get to see young actors have an opportunity to finish school so he should count himself lucky.
I don’t mind that Chandler wanted to leave eventually but it was handled terrible the whole thing and Im sorry but I just don’t like this new guy at all. If it was someone better perhaps it would be easier.
I do find it highly rude though to accuse Chandler of not approaching Corday. Anyone who believes that asshole or Meng over Chandler is not a Chandler fan I’m sorry. They never really wanted the gay story they were pressured into it. But no one should have to accept a wedding without Chandler. Its like how does anyone believe its the same character. Why not just have Sonny marry another guy because practically that’s what it is Freddie has admitted Guy is changing the character? People wonder why gay folk shouldn’t get married well this shows to you why.
I also think in any profession its highly wrong for Corday to lie to their actors and the public about not recasting and not wanting a wedding but that’s just me it goes both ways James even if you believe for a second (which not many do) that Chandler went behind their back their response since has been a trillion times worse and made it extremely hard for people to believe them again. That’s the way it is if you don’t want a wedding with Chandler just tell us why and tell us why you never wanted one with him and Freddie. People at least deserve to know why Guy Wilson deserves to be a part of that when he has done nothing for the story nothing whatsoever.
Had Chandler stayed till the end of his contract this year, then he would be leaving his role while in the middle of a likely continuing story during sweeps period in either February or May which is where a lot of front-burner storylines reach their peak and climaxes. On a soap’s POV, doing the recast while at the height of a heated leading story would confuse viewers so better that they do it right when the story is still building itself up and once they’ve manage to get a good actor to take over.
DOOL’s EP’s surely won’t expect people anyway to believe them or not as any BTS drama usually occur behind closed doors. If you look at their production schedule, shooting episodes slated for December-early January in July-August, it would at least make a lot of sense of why they’ve let Chandler go earlier before his contract expired.
Any actor who books a role in a TV serial or a movie are deserving of what they’ve got if they work for it and manage to meet the expectations of what producers and casting directors are looking for in a role, especially in the case of a recast.
It took time for people to warm up to Dylan Patton as Will who was decent towards the end, and later on to Chandler Massey who only hit his stride by the time his coming-out storyline finally took off. Same thing will happen for Guy’s version of Will.
And by the way, it doesn’t make sense for you to say that “[Guy Wilson] has done nothing for the story nothing whatsoever” when in actuality he, as Will, is going to be involved pretty much in several ongoing storylines and a few new ones slated for next year (Nick’s “murder” for one where his ex-GF, current boyfriend, grandmother, and mother are all involved).
CM was not good enough. He became worse with each emmy win. I’m glad to be rid of him and looking forward to the absence of you!
4everDAYS – that’s the real reason for so many people out there saying they want ‘WilSon’ to continue. It’s because you don’t like Chandler. I actually prefer you saying that than all of those who say they love Chandler and will miss him, but then count down the days for Guy Wilson to show his face, coz they CAN’T WAIT!..
Sammy – “That’s the way it is if you don’t want a wedding with Chandler just tell us why and tell us why you never wanted one with him and Freddie. People at least deserve to know why Guy Wilson deserves to be a part of that when he has done nothing for the story nothing whatsoever.” – >YES YES!! I want to know too, why Meng and Corday change their mind about this all the time. They say they don’t want a wedding, they don’t want WilSon to be a super-couple, then they change their minds. They say, they won’t recast Will, then they change their minds. Not very apt are they? Or is it something else? Yes it is! And one day it will blow up in their faces. Seriously, they could have made tv/soap history, but for some reason they preferred to mess everything up. I will never understand this.
I am sure this young actor will be just fine in the role, if the fans will just give him a chance to put his own “spin” on the character. Give the guy a chance, it’s only right to let him play the role the way he envisions it.
As a gay man I am just happy to see a gay couple on a Soap, I love soaps and have since I started watching GH in 1993 and DAYS in 1995. I was 13 when I started watching GH. I lost faith in Days when RILEY started writing it again and quite watching in 2004 during the MELASWEN fisaco. JILL FARREN PHELPS and GUZA just dropped the Lucas coming out story and it was a huge disappointment to me. I started watching the whole DAYS reboot and I couldn’t get into. However, in the last month I have watched edits of the Will Storyline and I think Days did the best coming out of a character on any show. It was told so beautifully and I adored the relationship between Will and Marlena. My grandmother was the same way, my mom and dad finally came around but my grandmother was there for me when no one else was and she never came out and said it but she told me “I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT” and always remember that. Later, on we could talk about it and she was so accepting and loving. So that resonated with me. I said all of this to say this. I will give Guy a chance because I love that two gay men are on the front burner on a soap. It’s about time people like me are represented on soaps and I appreciate it so much I will continue to watch. I have endured recasts on GH and I got through them. I really had a hard time when we lost Julie Marie Berman on GH but I have warmed up to Emme Rylan and I thought it was so sweet that Genie said at the PALEY CENTER that she wanted to play her mother when they both were on Y&R. So it is hard to accept but I will try my damnedest because Chandler choose to leave. And I hope everyone else will do the same. I really am a huge supporter of soaps. I am so glad they are getting a resurgence and I plan on watching Days live in the New Year. I tried to get into Y&R by watching Katherine’s Memorial but it have Jill Farren Phelps mark was all over it and I didn’t think it was done very well. And B&B I have no connection to it (my granny watched Y&R) so I have never been able to get into it. So once again as I said, I love soaps. I think they are AMERICANA and I hope that they will be around for many years to come. We have lost so much. I loved ATWT and they gay storyline they did and then it was cancelled. But I still feel Will’s was executed the best of them all. So anyways, thanks for letting me share my thoughts. I really love Micheal’s site and I thank him for his enthusiastic approach to soaps. HAPPY NYE to everyone!
Wow, do some of you see conspiracy theories everywhere, or only on DAYS? Chandler can’t tell the whole truth? Really? He no longer works there so why? He CHOSE to leave and further his education. With fans like some of you, none of the 3 guys needs enemies. You looove Chandler so much you are basically calling him a liar and someone did call FS a liar. All the moronic things that are being said about GW are beyond childish. I love CM in the role, when he first came on I thought he totally looked like he could be Sami’s son, but he chose (yes, chose) to leave. Yes, he was later asked to leave sooner because the actor TPTB wanted for the role was available at that time, that is why CM was shocked & surprised. Seems he has handled it much better than viewers. Some of you are saying this is being done to “get rid of the gays”. Um, if that were the case the writers could have just had Will say he loved it so much at Berkley that he was going to stay. I would hate to see how you deal with real problems in your day to day lives. Must be scary based on how some are handling a new actor in a role. But wait, you aren’t even dealing with that because the poor dude hasn’t even had any scenes air yet. Somehow so many know how horrible he is. Must be a lot of psychics out there. For the person who said none of the cast talk about or want to be seen with him, before all this trash talk even started, Jen Lilley (Theresa) said she hoped people would give Guy Wilson a chance. As DAYS tapes 4-41/2 months ahead, she would have been around him on set and able to watch scenes with him in, even if she hadn’t had any with him herself. Strange how some people become vicious and hateful when they don’t get their own way. And they also “just know” certain things because that is the way they want it to be. Whatever, if some stop watching because of this then they were never true DAYS fans anyway. You won’t have much longer to watch if what I read is correct and CM’s scenes end Jan. 2. Guess you’ll have an hour of free time. Therapy anyone?
Great post Lisa! I agree with you.
There have been interviews with James Scott and Galen GeRing and both were very positive towards Guy Wilson’s portrayal of Will. And Freddie Smith should know what he is talking about since he works with Guy so closely. I do not understand how some of these fans (that have responded to the above article) can be so critical of this actor when his scenes have not even aired yet. How can you say he is not right for the role just based on a photo? And to call him “ugly” is very unfair and rude.
I will miss Chandler but understand why he wanted to leave the show in order to complete his college education and have other opportunities to expand his career beyond the soap opera world (theater and possibly primetime plus his musical aspirations with his band “And Still I Rise”). I wish him success in whatever he chooses to do.
I hope that Freddie and Guy will be able to continue to work together as a team to make WilSon as popular as Chandler and Freddie did. We as fans need to be supportive instead of being critical and judgemental.
Amen!.
If you notice it’s always the same people over and over again. If it’s not, I understand that they have different accounts so they can agree with each of their crazy statements.
Lisa, that was one of the most beautiful wake up call writings I’ve ever read. You wrote what needed to be written.
If anybody still refuses to accept what you explained, then I suggest they talk to a professional. I hear Dr. Marlena Evans is a good listener! She can help. LOL!!!
Oh, God, not the Isabelle and her “I Hate Guy Wilson” posse. Ughhhh. Move on….stop watching Days and crying about Chandler leaving.
Days without Wilson is not possible! I’ll never look at me! The role of Will was very special! It can not be simply replaced by a new actor. I think that the series is broken! The writers and the producers do not know what happens now! Why leave so many actors this series? We know it! Sorry for these words ….
I do not hate GW! He simply needs to consider what he says in the press! The fan base of Wilson is mega big! it is courageous to take such a role!
Personally, I think folks are taking this change way too seriously. It doesn’t matter how Chandler left the show at this point. Thing is, he has been gone since AUGUST, we are just getting to see Guy in action this coming week. I Loved Chandler as Will, but the FACT is, Chandler Massey was the 6th Will Horton. Eric Brady has changed multiple times (My favorite being Jenson Ackles of Supernatural), Roman Brady has had 3 BIG actors play him including Drake “however you spell his last name” (John Black). Bo Brady has been played by both Peter Reckel, and Robert Kelker Kelly. Austin Reed has been played by 2 different actors, as has Billie Reed. Judi Evans has played both Adriane Kiriakis and Bonnie Lockhart. That’s just naming a few folks! Face it, THIS IS A SOAP OPERA, This stuff happens all the time on soaps. Get over it! Before you know it, you will be used to Guy, and you will blink, and Chandler might be back. You NEVER know in soapville!
Actually Kevin F, it DOES matter how Chandler left the show. That is the most important point actually. We all knew he was not going to stay on DAYS for decades. But we all expected him (and I’d even venture to say, he too) to at least stay until the end of his current contract, which would mean, he’d still be airing until April approximately. The how and the when he was fired is the key to all of our upset. One day I hope, we will truthfully and openly be told what happened instead of all the crap we are being served at the moment.
Are you Chandler Massey?
Maybe you’re Freddie Smith.
Nope, doesn’t really matter, he’s gone, that’s not gonna change! Anyone that is ticked about it can whine and stop watching if they want, though I don’t suggest this as if you love this storyline, you will be missing out on the possibility that it is awesome going forward. But that said, it is your prerogative to stop watching. I am not happy Chandler is gone, But in the soap world life goes on, just as it does in the real world. People quit and get fired everyday, but the world keeps right on spinning. making this something that bothers you and ruins your life hurts nobody but yourself. Folks should just give Guy a chance, you may actually surprise yourself with the results.I am sorry this bothers you to that point.
I’m not either of them, but I’ve met both.
It does very much matter and it should matter to all of you who say you support LGBT issues. But I do know nothing’s going to change. Or maybe it will. Just wait. Not with that bloody soap and the recast, but with what WilSon means and what Freddie and Chandler made it and how they stand behind the message that it sent out to the audience willing to be amazed by it. I don’t have to give Guy Wilson a chance and he won’t care. I don’t want to be surprised one single bit with the result. Plenty of other people adore him and are now hating on Chandler. Well done ‘fans’!
These obsessive stans give soap fans a bad name
Well, some fans ARE a weird breed!
I been reading all the comments about this situation been going on at Days of our lives. I’ve to say some fans have to get lives it a show. Yes, I agree recast are hard when you’re use to an actor playing a character. I normally don’t like recast. But I’ll give the actor a chance to see what his version of Will, is like. I’m just happy Freddie, still on the show. I always liked his version of Sonny.
For some that want to know the truth from the bosses about the reason Chandler left . I don’t think we are never going to find out the truth or if there is one. Because it not our business. It between Chandler, the network and the shows producers. It should remain that way. If Chandler, can move on then we should too. Because no matter what television show we watch at some point. There going to be recast we just have to deal with it. I think people should be happy the characters of Will and Sonny, are still on the show. No matter which actor is playing them.
How do some of you get that Guy Wilson is homophobic? He played a gay character when he had a guest appearance on NCIS, and now he’s playing a the other half of WilSon. If he was truly homophobic, he would never have accepted TWO different gay character roles–and especially not a long-term one in a soap opera–no matter how desperate he was to earn money.
Well here we are in the 3rd month, Will and Sonny are getting ready to walk down the isle. Why do I feel so ashamed of it now? I vowed to give this nuWill a chance, how much longer do I have to wait before there is a spark to the relationship? There is no chance that true fans of DAYS will belive these two are even friends let alone a couple. Furthermore, we have come to know Freddie as this cool worldly knowledgeable guy, he would never get with this version of Will. The storyline was ‘Believable” now it is just a sad pathetic attempt at gay viewers.
Gabi and nick should go to jail for Melanie Jonas kidnapping and all so for Kate and Sami and Gabi should be punished for the cover up nicks murder when chandlermassey and Freddie smith talked in 2013 they need to tell the truth to the police and tell them exactly what they saw and heard at their apartment
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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