Days of our lives

Days Of Our Lives Casting News: Two Major Players Bumped From Contract Status To Recurring

Posted on by Kenlio

The Contract Shake-Up

Two of Salem’s most prominent law enforcement figures have been moved from full-time contract status to recurring status:

  • Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez): A cornerstone of the show since 2008, Gering has spent nearly two decades as the moral compass of the SPD. His move to recurring marks a major transition for a character who has been central to the lives of Sami Brady, Hope Williams, and now Jada Hunter.

  • Elia Cantu (Jada Hunter): Since joining in 2022, Cantu has quickly become a fan favorite. Her character—the daught

  • er of the legendary Marcus Hunter—has been at the heart of recent “Thermal Detonations” involving the Shawn Douglas shooting and her budding romance with Rafe.

Why the Change?

This “Downturn” on the casting roller coaster often signals a shift in narrative focus. While a move to recurring doesn’t mean these characters are leaving—in fact, a statement from the show reassured fans that “Rafe and Jada are still in Salem”—it does mean they may appear less frequently as the show makes room for new arcs.

The “Sofia Mattsson” Factor

The timing of these contract bumps coincides with the “Major Reveal” that Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha, General Hospital) is joining the cast. While Sofia won’t appear on screen until early 2027 due to the show’s ten-month production lead, her casting suggests the “Sands Through the Hourglass” are being redistributed to fuel a massive new storyline, possibly involving the long-rumored return of Abigail DiMera.

Current Context in Salem

As of today, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the SPD is already spread thin:

  • Jada is currently navigating a “Territorial Standoff” as she moves Shawn Douglas into her home to nurse him back to health.

  • Rafe is dealing with the “Chilling Discovery” of the Sophia C

  • hoy pill-swap plot and the search for Baby Trey.

While it feels like a “Bittersweet” moment to see these veterans move to the recurring list, it often allows actors the freedom to pursue other projects while still being part of the “Visual Poetry” of Salem.