Sami Brady may still be months away from returning to Salem, but her family is suddenly moving to the center of Days of Our Lives. Sydney DiMera has been recast, Sami’s long-discussed fiancé Dante Vitali is finally headed on screen, and several other arrivals and departures could reshape the Peacock soap.
Some of these changes are confirmed. Others remain intriguing theories about what DAYS may be setting up next.
Sydney DiMera Returns With a New Face
Sydney DiMera, the daughter of Sami Brady and EJ DiMera, is returning to Days of Our Lives after years away from the main canvas.
The character was last seen in the 2021 holiday spin-off A Very Salem Christmas. In recent months, however, Sydney has repeatedly been pulled back into the story through phone conversations and Kristen DiMera’s attempts to draw her into her orbit.
That buildup now has a payoff. Sydney is set to appear on September 9 with a new actress in the role, marking another step toward bringing Sami and EJ’s daughter back into the DiMera family drama.
With EJ traveling to Italy alongside Belle Black and Chad DiMera, Sydney’s return comes at a particularly volatile moment for the family.
Dante Vitali Finally Steps Out of the Shadows
The even bigger arrival comes days later.
Dante Vitali, the wealthy fiancé Sami first talked about during her November 2025 visit to Salem, is scheduled to make his first appearance on September 14. Until now, Dante has existed almost entirely through other characters’ conversations.
His surname immediately raised alarms among Sami’s former husbands because of its connection to the Vitali family. Sami, however, insisted that Dante was related to Ava Vitali without being involved in the criminal side of the extended family.
That distinction could become important once Dante actually enters the story.
Sami herself is not expected back until 2027, making Dante’s earlier arrival particularly interesting. He could appear only briefly before returning with Sami later, or DAYS may give him a story of his own before the wedding storyline takes shape.
Could Dante Be Behind the Kiriakis Mansion Purchase?
One of the more compelling theories surrounding Dante involves the Kiriakis mansion.
The buyer was identified as Dominic Mariano after an all-cash offer, but there is currently no confirmation that Dominic and Dante are connected. Still, the timing has fueled speculation that Dominic could be an alias, representative, or intermediary acting for Sami’s fiancé.
That possibility remains firmly unconfirmed.
If Dante did acquire the property, however, it could provide a natural setting for a much larger Brady-Horton-DiMera event when Sami eventually returns. A wedding is one possibility being discussed, especially with several familiar faces expected back for a limited storyline.
Sami, Carrie, Lucas and Will Are Part of a Bigger Return
Alison Sweeney, Christie Clark, Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey have all returned to film material as Sami, Carrie, Lucas and Will.
Their upcoming story is expected to be limited rather than permanent, but its connection to Dante has not been officially established. Given Sami’s engagement, a wedding storyline is an obvious theory rather than a confirmed destination.
The unusual production schedule also means viewers are hearing about these returns long before the episodes reach Peacock.
That gap makes Dante’s September arrival even more notable. DAYS appears ready to introduce him well before Sami comes back into the picture.
Mason Whitfield Brings a New Mystery to Holly’s Story
Another newcomer has already arrived.
Brandon Butler returned on September 1, this time playing Mason Whitfield rather than Zack Brady. Mason is a former Marine who is now attending Salem University, and his immediate hostility toward Holly Jonas has already raised questions.
His reaction appeared to be triggered by Holly’s name rather than personal recognition, suggesting he may know something about her past or reputation.
A possible connection to Sophia Choi has been suggested, especially because Mason’s military background provides at least a thematic link to other Salem veterans. But the show has not confirmed why he dislikes Holly, so any deeper family connection remains speculation.
More Exits and Possible Recasts Could Be Coming
Holly and Tate Black remain active in major storylines even as their actors, Ashley Puzemis and Leo Howard, are expected to leave the series. Raven Bowens and Carson Boatman, who play Chanel and Johnny, are also part of the broader cast-change conversation.
What remains unclear is whether all four characters will leave Salem or whether DAYS could recast some of the roles.
Sophia Mattsson is also expected to debut in early 2027 in an undisclosed role. Speculation has linked her to Chloe Lane after Nadia Bjorlin reportedly declined an invitation to return, but Mattsson has not been confirmed as Chloe.
Brittany Sarpy is another major addition expected around the same period, although her character remains under wraps.
For now, the clearest shift is happening around Sami’s family. Sydney is returning, Dante is finally becoming a real presence on screen, and a much larger Brady-DiMera reunion is already waiting in the distance.
Dante’s arrival may ultimately prove to be a short introduction, or it could be the first piece of a storyline that carries all the way into Sami’s return. Which possibility would make the stronger DAYS story: Dante building his own life in Salem first, or saving his biggest secrets for Sami’s homecoming?