In February, Days of Our Lives fans learned Hank Northrop joined the Peacock soap opera. Now, intense speculation surrounds his role. With Billy Flynn’s rumored exit, could Hank be stepping into Chad DiMera’s shoes? The internet is buzzing—and we’re diving into all the clues.
Hank Northrop Joins Days of Our Lives— And Sparks a Chad Recast Theory
When Hank Northrop—son of soap legends Wayne Northrop and Lynn Herring—was cast, fans were intrigued. He reportedly started filming around January 2025, making his debut likely for this summer. That timing has sparked wild guesses about who he might play.
Although Peacock hasn’t confirmed Hank’s character, one key clue stands out. His first scene is said to be with James Reynolds, who plays Abe Carver. That opens the door for a legacy connection—possibly a Brady or someone from Salem’s core families. Reddit threads quickly lit up with fans throwing out two major possibilities: Max Brady or Chad DiMera.
The Chad recast rumor gained steam for one reason—Billy Flynn’s crossover to The Young and the Restless. If he’s truly wrapping up his time in Salem, the show needs a new DiMera heir fast. Visually, fans agree Hank looks the part. His resemblance to Chad’s character style has many convinced he’s the natural fit.
Timeline Conflicts & Fan Pushback: Is the Theory Too Soon?
Still, some viewers aren’t buying it—yet. Multiple Reddit users pointed out that Days of Our Lives films close to ten months in advance. Billy Flynn was reportedly still filming into the spring, so Chad’s exit might not hit screens until late fall 2025. If that’s true, Hank’s July debut would be too early for a direct recast.
Additionally, rumors suggest Hank could be playing Max Brady—Roman Brady’s brother, and a role with rich history. That theory makes sense given the Abe Carver connection, especially if Max returns with a new storyline centered around Salem PD or family drama.
Of course, nothing is certain until official announcements drop. For now, fan speculation continues, and the theory that Hank is the new Chad remains a hot topic. Whether true or not, it’s clear viewers are already invested in Hank’s future—and ready for another DiMera twist.
In conclusion, while Days of Our Lives hasn’t confirmed a Chad DiMera recast, the signs are there—and fans are talking. Whether Hank Northrop plays Chad or someone else, his arrival is sure to stir the pot. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Days of Our Lives casting news and spoilers.
