AceShowbiz - Days of Our Lives viewers are facing significant casting changes as two key actors are being moved from contract status to recurring roles. This update comes amid news that former General Hospital star Sofia Mattsson has recently joined the cast and is already filming her debut scenes, expected to air in early 2027.

The daytime soap has been tight-lipped about the details surrounding Mattsson’s new character and storyline, but fans are eager to see how her arrival will impact the drama in Salem.

Meanwhile, according to Jason47, the closing credits of recent Days of Our Lives episodes reveal that two prominent cast members, Galen Gering and Elia Cantu, have been downgraded from their contracts to recurring status. This means they will appear less frequently and only when the storyline calls for their characters.

Galen Gering, who has portrayed Rafe Hernandez since 2008, has been a vital figure on the show for nearly two decades. Rafe first arrived in Salem as an FBI agent assigned to protect Sami Brady during her time in witness protection. Over time, the character became deeply embedded in the community and central to many major storylines. Gering’s shift to a recurring role is particularly surprising given his long-standing presence on the show and his previous nine-year run on the NBC daytime drama Passions.

Elia Cantu joined Days of Our Lives in 2022 as Jada Hunter, a police officer who rose through the ranks to become the Salem Police Commissioner. Jada has been involved in significant storylines, including romantic connections with Rafe, and has earned a dedicated fan base. Despite the change in contract status, Cantu’s character remains active within the soap’s ongoing narratives.

It is important to clarify that moving from contract to recurring status does not indicate that Gering or Cantu are leaving the series. Rather, they will appear on a less regular basis, making their presence felt during key plot developments. This approach is common across many soap operas, where recurring actors continue to play important roles without the commitment of a full contract.

Currently, both Rafe and Jada are deeply engaged in separate storylines. Jada is busy managing law enforcement duties in Salem, tackling crime as the police commissioner. Meanwhile, Rafe is involved in an ISA investigation related to EJ DiMera, portrayed by Dan Feuerriegel. Fans can anticipate developments in these arcs as the year progresses.

For those following the twists and turns of Days of Our Lives, these casting updates signal a shift in how characters will be utilized in the show’s future narratives. Viewers should stay tuned to see how these changes affect the dynamic in Salem and what new directions the storylines will take with the addition of Sofia Mattsson and the adjusted roles of Gering and Cantu.

Keep visiting CDL for all the latest on Days of Our Lives casting news, spoilers, and episode updates to stay ahead of the drama unfolding in Salem.