Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Guy Wilson Speaks On Taking Over The Role Of Will Horton!
Courtesy/IMDB
In his first interview since taking over the role of Will Horton from two-time Daytime Emmy winner Chandler Massey, his replacement, Guy Wilson, spoke with TheWrap.com to share his thoughts on stepping into this key character in Salem and all of soaps. Wilson debuts tomorrow on the January 8th episode of Days of our Lives!
Guy discussed the challenges he faced taking over the role, who was most helpful and welcoming, the quick audition process to land the role, if he was intimated taking over the role of Chandler Massey, and if he was concerned about if the die-hard and loyal and passionate soap fans will accept the switch with the character currently firmly in the hands of Wilson.
Here are a few interesting excerpts below!
Guy on if he is worried about the fans accepting him as Will Horton: “I’m not worried about it, more just because I feel like I understand. It can be frustrating when you’re a fan of an actor or the character and it changes, because, going back to the concept of relationships, people connect with these characters. I certainly don’t take it personally, and if anything, it furthers my admiration for soap fans that they do develop such a connection to an actor or a character.”
Guy on if he was intimated by the performance of his predecessorin the role… Chandler Massey: “You know, I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but knowing that Chandler won those two Emmys, it shows that he created something very special. So more than a sense of intimidation, I feel a great sense of responsibility to carry that role forward. And I really feel that I have what it takes to do that, provided I work as hard as I can. So there was never a sense of anxiety or intimidation, and I certainly don’t feel a need to measure up in terms of accolades or awards — certainly, those are always very exciting, but to me what matters most is just portraying the truthfulness behind the story of Will and Sonny. So knowing that Chandler did such an amazing job, and because he did such an amazing job, the groundwork is there. I just have to keep going in the direction that Chandler put it in. So if anything, he’s made my job easier, because he has established such an amazing character.”
So, are you ready to give Guy a chance to win you over the pivotal role of Will Horton? What do you think about his understanding of the soap fans and inheriting the role from Chandler Massey? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
This week on all-new episodes of Days of our Lives streaming October 26-30 on Peacock; after Xander (Paul Telfer) has been shot by George (Michael Rose), and retaliates by firing a bullet his way, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) is on the scene!
In a key moment, Dr. Horton does everything she can to stabilize Xander in order to rush him to the hospital, which finds the two former loves rekindling many of the feels that brought them together in the first place.
The official Days of our Lives promo for the week also teases how Mason (Brandon Butler) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) get a very unexpected caller which is Sophia (Rachel Boyd)!
Photo: Corday Productions
Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) is heard saying, “Never give EJ DiMera the benefit of the doubt. You might learn to regret it!” Next, we see Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) appear to be hanging onto Steve’s every word.
Meanwhile, Lani (Sal Stowers) celebrates her return to the Salem PD, while many Salem residents get ready for Halloween.
Chad (Conner Floyd) and his son Thomas (Cole Gersmeyer) are ready for Fright Night, as is Kirsten (Stacy Haiduk)! But as things go in Salem, masks, hidden identities, and more make for mystery and mayhem! The conclusion of the promo shows an upset EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) throwing a book at the portrait of his father, Stefano DiMera. What has him so unglued?
Photo: Corday Productions
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at additional Days of our Lives spoilers for this week.
Monday, October 26
Brady gets devastating news.
Leo and Javi share an emotional moment.
Tuesday, October 27
Marlena hesitates to reach out to Dominic.
Kristen makes a confession to Lani.
Wednesday, October 28
Johnny faces down his father – and his future.
Stephanie gets surprising news from Alex.
Thursday, October 29
Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news.
Brady and Sarah have a heart-to-heart conversation.
Friday, October 30
Sarah and Xander share an emotional reunion.
Julie breaks up with Foster.
Kristen ties up some loose ends.
Chad refuses to be intimidated by EJ.
Now below, check out this week’s DAYS promo entitled, “Spooky Salem.”
Then weigh-in: are you rooting for Sarah and Xander to get back together? What is EJ so upset about? Is it about his half-brother, Dominic Marino? What skullduggery might go down on Halloween night in Salem? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!
Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.
He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.
Photo: Peacock
Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2. In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.
Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.
So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.
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I WILL give this GUY a chance…lol…ive seen many recasts on soaps the last 50 years…some were great, some were ok and some were terrible…but i still gave them all an equal chance!!!
Meanwhile, i wonder if E.J. and Abigail was a one time thing or will it continue? Either way will Abby have a little Dimera and announce it at the wedding of E.J. and Sami(Days loves an interupted wedding…lets go 4 no. 3…lol)
I’m sure Guy will bring something Chandler didn’t to the role of Will. I’m quite excited to see his take on the character. I was originally skeptical about the recast, but I have slowly come around to it and cannot wait to see how it turns out. Wishing him the best of luck in his new role and cannot wait what the future brings for Will Horton.
I’m going to miss Chandler, but I’m willing to give Guy a chance.
I am a WilSon supporter and love the character of Will and also the relationship of Will and Sonny. So I am going to continue to support Guy Wilson. I loved Chandler and was sad to see him leave but understand his reasons for leaving. I hope Guy will be given the chance by fans to show his interpretation of the character of Will. I also hope he and Freddie will be given the chance to show Will and Sonny’s relationship and also on an individual level with good stories. It is up to the writers now.
Looking forward to his take on the role!!
If the guy gives have a good performance as he does an interview, he should be good. He’s well spoken.
Days is so good right now, and I hope he adds to the mix.
CM has been pretty wonderful, and he’s moving on with his life. I wish him all the best, and I do the same to the “new guy”.
He will be fine in the role I am sure. At least, DAYS OF OUR LIVES is surviving, I was and am a long time fan of All My Children and it’s just heart wrenching that the show is gone, and didn’t work as an On-line presentation.
So, I plan on tuning in to Days on a regular basis, and I am sure that this new actor will bring another dimension to the character.
I was/am an AMC fan too, from Day 1 of the show and feel as you do. Ditto with OLTL.
For me, DOOL is truest to the soap format I love best, and it has such a wonderful intergenerational cast, and features family heavily, just like AMC used to do – and OLTL.
DOOL has been the best of the surviving soaps for me personally, and I hope it is for you too.
This is wild! I have always been a DAYS only fan, but I have relatives that were long term AMC fans. They called their show All My Kids. lol. They started watching DAYS and say it’s like watching AMK. They are hooked!
boes is correct in saying DAYS features family heavily. In fact, the character of Will is from two long standing families. He is a Horton and a Brady.
That proves how serious DAYS is about Will.
Well the current Will has this smirk on his face when he gets upset… which doesn’t go over well when he is trying to be serious. I hope the new Will does a better job.
Jennnn!!! OMG! I thought I was the only one who noticed the smirk and just lazy acting style Chandler has exhibited for the past year or so. I feel like he didn’t feel challenged by the role any more so he kind of phoned in his performance. I for one am glad to see him go. Looking forward to the new guy!
I am just glad the character of Will Horton is not leaving with the actor as happens too many times these days.
Guy Wilson: you are surrounded by thee best cast on daytime.
so many dynamics play out… conferring, relating, just playing out… with each other
I love it!
put aside the two emmy wins and relate to your intuition… and focus on Sonny- DAYS took great pains.. to reach … and feature a select peoples… and stratosphere electric
everything about DAYS is ON…
just keep Daniel and Jenn… apart… and even give us a little break…
all the rest of the show… takes hold and fires
it’s not like the remaining shows… who are scrambling… to cohesively knit, package and sublimely Feature Salem!
you are one amidst a convoy of talent
LOVE DOOL
I too will support Guy. I also hope that he will be more comfortable kissing another man. I think Freddie Smith is very passionate and seems very naturally and comfortable. Sometimes I felt Chandler was when it was a smooch. And he had some good kiss moments. I also really hope that they focus on their sex life. I mean we see Sami and EJ going at it all the time. If they focus more on them in bed, whether it’s just laying there etc. it will make it more of the “norm” and nothing but another love story unfolding. Not a “Gay” story…..Hopefully these terms will not even matter in 20 years.
Considering all the pressure he is under, Guy’s debut was great! He will settle in quite nicely!!!
I think he did a fine job! Good start. He already has an ease in his scenes with Gabi and Sonny.
Was Chandler let go or did he quit. I loved him.
Personally i dont like the new will horton at all…we want the oid will back please.
I think guy wilson is doing a good job as will and lot of viewers do not like him and want chandler back, but we would have a new actor in the role anyway because chandler was not going renew his contract. So days higher ups took action and. I like chandler but he is recast to. Nobody likes change.