Salem has faced many losses over the years, but the latest whispers coming out of the Days of Our Lives set are sending shock waves through the fan base. Today, we’re diving deep into the emotional and controversial rumors surrounding the legendary John Black and the possibility that actor Alan Anderson may be stepping in to carry the torch for decades.
John Black, portrayed by the incomparable Drake Hogestyn, has been at the very heart of Days. He’s been a secret agent, a priest, a pawn, and a family man—always steady, always strong, and always fighting for the people he loves. But now, behind the scenes, there’s a storm brewing, and fans are bracing themselves for the possibility that we may be saying goodbye—or at least goodbye to the version of John Black we’ve known for so long.
Alan Anderson, a name that was barely whispered a few months ago, is suddenly at the center of the most talked-about storyline on Days of Our Lives. According to Anderson himself, he was originally hired for just a two-day stint, but in a twist no one saw coming—not even him—that brief assignment turned into a full 3-month run.
“It was supposed to be 2 days,” Anderson shared on Twitter, “but I stayed for 3 months. April marks my first full episode.” Wait—3 months for a two-day role? That’s no accident. That’s a storyline.
Now, here’s where things get even more intriguing. Sources say Anderson’s first full appearance is set for April, which would mean he’s on the canvas through at least June. That’s not a cameo—it’s a planned arc, and likely a pivotal one.
So, what is this role exactly? Rumors are swirling that the creative team at Days has been preparing a major storyline surrounding the potential death of John Black. And with good reason—longtime fans know that Drake Hogestyn, who has portrayed John for decades, has been battling serious health issues off-screen, including a quiet but courageous battle with cancer.
Insiders say that showrunner Ken Corday, in a move both respectful and strategic, wrote a storyline that would give the character of John a dramatic exit but also leave the door wide open should Drake recover and wish to return. In an incredibly touching moment, Ken reportedly shared the entire plan with Drake, who gave his blessing for the arc to move forward.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the weight of that decision. This isn’t just about writing out a character; this is about honoring a legacy while also facing the heartbreaking reality of real life. And if the rumors are true, much of what we’ll be seeing in April and the months that follow was filmed while Drake was still alive, which adds another layer of bittersweet emotion to every scene.
One particularly compelling theory is that Alan Anderson isn’t stepping into John Black’s shoes exactly, but rather taking on the role of John Blake—a mysterious new character with a shocking connection to John’s past, or perhaps even a reconstructed version of him. Fans will recall that Days isn’t afraid to rewrite a character’s history or reintroduce someone with a brand new face—especially when medical or psychological twists are involved. Whether through brainwashing, plastic surgery, memory transfers, or high-stakes sci-fi—hello, Stefano DeMira’s many lives—Salem is no stranger to the impossible becoming possible.
Could John suffer a near-death experience or even die, only to return with a new face, new identity, or altered memories? The introduction of a John Blake would allow Alan Anderson to step into the storyline without directly replacing Drake Hogestyn, while still keeping the character’s spirit alive.
A painful precedent is remembering Doug Williams. Some fans are drawing comparisons to the final days of the iconic Doug Williams, portrayed by the late, beloved Bill Hayes. During Doug’s final moments, producers used a stunt double for key scenes, but they never revealed the actor’s face on screen. It was a choice made to preserve the integrity of the character and protect the actor’s legacy.
If Alan Anderson is indeed stepping into a major on-screen role tied to John Black, it means Days is taking a bold leap—one that may redefine how the show handles legendary characters in the face of real-life loss. Will Alan Anderson stay? And what does the future hold?
As of now, there has been no official announcement from NBC, Peacock, or Cord Productions about whether Alan Anderson is permanently taking over the role of John Black, or if this is merely a temporary arc. But the writing is on the wall. With three months of appearances planned and fans already bracing for the emotional fallout, something big is coming.
Could John Black be reborn through this new actor? Could Salem be introduced to a long-lost twin, clone, or secret double life? With Days, anything is possible. What we do know is this: Days of Our Lives has crafted a backup plan that allows room for a miracle if Drake Hogestyn’s health improves and he wants to return. The storyline has been left flexible enough to welcome him back. That’s a testament to the deep respect the showrunners have for the man who helped define the series for so many years.
This isn’t just about a recast. This is about grief, hope, and the difficult decisions that come with long-running storytelling. John Black isn’t just a character—he’s a symbol of strength, loyalty, and redemption. And whether he lives on in a new face or we’re preparing to say goodbye for real, the emotions behind the scenes are very real.
So, will Alan Anderson be Salem’s new John—or something entirely unexpected? Only time will tell. But for now, fans should prepare for one of the most emotional arcs Days of Our Lives has tackled in recent years. Our TV channel Soap News and Spoilers is the place for those who want to know how the Salem story goes, as well as great Days of Our Lives updates and news. So, subscribe to our channel to get what you want. Bye-bye.
