Could the phoenix be rising once again in Salem? That’s precisely what “Days of Our Lives” fans are wondering! We were all blown away when the Days summer preview hinted at a return of Stefano DiMera, played from 1982 to 2016 by the late and great Joseph Mascolo.
“There’s a reason he’s known as The Phoenix,” Rafe says in the trailer, and he is right. No matter what has happened to him, in true soap villain tradition, Stefano always returns.
How Will Stefano Return This Time?
How on earth will Days bring Stefano back this time? The villain has returned once already since being killed by Hope. His essence was magically implanted into Steve Johnson. Since Steve is busy in Salem, and he and Kayla are better than ever, it seems a stretch to think that Stefano would be taken over by him once again.
So, who will be Stefano this time if he is reactivated? Will he awaken in the form of EJ or Tony? How about Marlena? Their characters have been intertwined for decades, and spoilers suggest that whatever is affecting Marlena’s health is linked to Stefano. Has his essence now jumped into her? Could the death of John Black have helped awaken him in some way?
Or does “Days of Our Lives” have something else in mind?
Could Stefano DiMera Be Recast?
It has been nearly a decade since Joseph Mascolo last appeared on the soap, and his run as the disturbed Stefano lasted for almost 35 years. Could the powers-that-be be ready to bring the villain back in the flesh? Has enough time passed for the writers even to consider bringing the character back to Salem?
Almost more importantly, would the longtime fans of the soap be willing to accept another actor in the role? How long is long enough? Or does Stefano begin and end with Mascolo?
One thing is for sure: Days and the actor have created the kind of soap villain that daytime dreams of. It is a lasting tribute to the writers and Joseph Mascolo that almost a decade after his passing, Stefano DiMera is still regularly mentioned amongst the residents of Salem.
In case you have somehow missed it, check out the sizzling summer trailer for “Days of Our Lives.”
