Days of Our Lives mourned a hero last week with the funeral of John Black (Drake Hogestyn). Marlena (Deidre Hall) now begins a new chapter in her life that doesn’t include her soul mate. Fans knew this was coming following the death of Hogestyn last fall from a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Days of Our Lives head writers carefully crafted John’s final arc and what happens next for Marlena. They shared that life goes on even though Marlena’s world has been turned upside down.
“Just as in real life, as the days and weeks and months go by, everyone around her has to go back to their lives. The food and the flowers and the visits and calls stop coming, leaving her to find her new normal, who she is without John,” the ladies shared.
Marlena has always been a pivotal character on the Peacock soap, and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Outside of her love for John, Marlena is a respected, beloved, and critical part of Salem. Despite being surrounded by loved ones, such as Belle (Martha Madison) and Brady (Eric Martsolf), Marlena discovers she’s not so good at taking advice from them. The writers shared that she “finds that advice on coping with grief is a lot easier to give than to take.”
There are plenty of storylines outside of losing John that Marlena will be involved in, too. Marlena recently witnessed Rachel (Alice Halsey) pleading with someone not to shoot. Fans know Rachel saw Johnny (Carson Boatman) pull a gun on EJ (Daniel Feuerriegel) the night the latter was shot. Fans can expect Marlena to become a key player in that storyline. Thanks to the show’s advanced filming schedule, we know that Marlena will play a major role in the November 2025 celebration of Days of Our Lives’ 60th anniversary.
If you’re a die-hard fan of Days of Our Lives, then you’ve probably spent countless hours wondering: What’s next for Marlena Evans? Dr. Marlena Evans, played by the incredible Deidre Hall, has been a cornerstone of the show for decades. From demonic possessions to secret twins, her life is anything but boring. But lately, fans are buzzing with questions about her future on the show. Is she leaving? Is she in danger (again)? Or is something entirely unexpected on the horizon?
Let’s dive deep into the world of Salem and uncover what could possibly happen next for everyone’s favorite psychiatrist.
The Legacy of Marlena Evans: Why Fans Are Obsessed
A Character Like No Other
Marlena isn’t just another soap opera character. She’s the character. Strong, intelligent, compassionate—but also a magnet for danger and drama. Over the years, she’s battled everything from possession by the devil to brainwashing plots.
The Ultimate Survivor
No one survives Salem unless they’ve got grit, and Marlena has that in spades. This makes her unpredictable and endlessly fascinating to fans.
Recent Developments: What Just Happened on ‘Days of Our Lives’?
The Devil Made Her Do It… Again?
In one of the most jaw-dropping recent storylines, Marlena was possessed—yes, again—by the devil. Just when you thought Salem was safe! But this time, things felt darker, more intense, and fans were left hanging.
Is Marlena’s Health at Risk?
Lately, hints about her health issues have crept into conversations. Could this be the show’s way of preparing viewers for a shocking twist?
Fan Theories Running Wild
1. Is Marlena Finally Leaving Salem?
Many fans fear Deidre Hall might hang up her white coat for good. Is retirement in the works, both for the actress and her character?
2. A Surprise Family Connection?
Could Marlena secretly have another child out there? Soap writers love secret family reveals.
3. Another Possession Plotline?
Some fans joke, “What’s Days of Our Lives without a little devilish possession?” But honestly—would the writers dare do it again?
What the Show Creators Are Saying
Hints from the Writers
In interviews, showrunners have hinted that Marlena’s story “is far from over.” Hmm… very mysterious.
Possible Spin-offs in the Works?
With the popularity of Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem, could Marlena get her own spin-off? Fans would eat that up.
What Deidre Hall Thinks About Her Future
A Role She Loves
Deidre Hall has expressed how much she adores playing Marlena. In recent interviews, she said she’s not ready to say goodbye just yet.
But Nothing Is Set in Stone
Even long-time soap stars know that nothing is guaranteed. Could the producers have a twist planned that even she doesn’t know?
Why Marlena Can Never Truly Leave ‘Days of Our Lives’
A Salem Without Marlena? Never!
Can you imagine Salem without Dr. Evans? The town would fall apart—literally.
Fans Would Revolt
Let’s be real. If Marlena left, half the fanbase would probably stage a protest outside NBC studios.
What Could Happen Next? Bold Predictions
1. Marlena Runs for Mayor?
She’s wise, she’s respected—why not enter politics? Stranger things have happened in Salem.
2. Marlena Gets a Long-Lost Sister
Maybe a mysterious twin returns (again)? Or a secret sister from the past?
3. Marlena and John Leave for Paris
A romantic exit with John to live out their golden years in Paris? Possible, but would the writers dare remove them both?
4. Another Kidnapping Scheme
It’s a soap staple. Maybe Stefano DiMera’s secret heir returns to torment Marlena one more time.
5. Marlena Saves the Day—Again
With so many disasters in Salem, Marlena may yet be the town’s last hope in a future crisis.
The Impact of Marlena on ‘Days of Our Lives’
A Cultural Icon
Marlena isn’t just a soap character—she’s a pop culture legend. Her devil possession storyline made headlines around the world.
She’s Shaped the Show
Many fans admit they started watching DOOL because of Marlena’s dramatic arcs.
What Fans Are Saying on Social Media
Twitter Buzz
“Is Marlena leaving?? I can’t handle this. 😭”
“Plot twist incoming for Marlena—I feel it in my bones.”
“Marlena for President of Salem 2025!”
Reddit Theories
Some Reddit threads suggest that Marlena could switch to being a villain… shocking, but would you watch? Of course, you would.
How ‘Days of Our Lives’ Writers Keep Marlena’s Story Fresh
They Know What Works
Possession, kidnappings, secret twins—it all works because of Marlena’s incredible presence.
Keeping Fans Guessing
The show’s biggest talent? Always making you think the end is near… when it’s not.
Could Marlena Be Killed Off?
Highly unlikely. But this is soapland, where no one stays dead for long.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright—and Full of Drama—for Marlena
So, what’s next for Marlena on Days of Our Lives? Honestly—anything could happen. Will she save Salem again? Discover another lost child? Or finally settle down with John and live peacefully? One thing’s for sure: Marlena’s story is far from over, and fans are going to love every minute of the ride.
Whether you’re Team Marlena Forever or just along for the soap opera rollercoaster, buckle up. Salem’s queen isn’t going anywhere just yet.
