Key Takeaways:

• Al Calderon is departing the role of Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives after accepting a series regular role on Brilliant Minds.

• Despite his exit, Calderon is rumored to air on the show until well into 2026 due to the soap’s advance filming schedule.

• A spokesperson for the show stated that the character of Javi is “alive and well in Salem,” indicating that the role will likely be recast.

• The article speculates on several potential actors for the recast, including Alex Alegria, Jason Canela, Bryan Craig, Chance Perez, and Diego Tinoco.

Javi Hernandez has been front and center since he came to Salem on Days of Our Lives. Al Calderon is one of soap’s most talented newcomers, and he recently booked a series regular role on Brilliant Minds, starring Zachary Quinto, for the show’s sophomore season. Calderon is rumored to be airing well into 2026 because the show tapes so far ahead of their air dates.

So Long, Al Calderon

It came as a shock to daytime audiences when Calderon was announced to be departing the show. A DAYS spokesperson released the following statement when news of Calderon’s casting was announced, stating, “We do not comment on the contract status of our actors, but fans should not worry. Javi is alive and well in Salem.” The actor debuted on October 28, 2024 in the role of Javi, cousin to Rafe (Galen Gering) and Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), after Javi’s mother passed away.

From the moment Javi met Leo (Greg Rikaart), sparks flew. The two first crossed paths at Rafe and Jada’s (Elia Cantu) engagement party, and despite warnings from Gabi about Leo’s past, Javi followed his instincts—and his heart. Their chemistry was instant, but the road hasn’t been easy.

Early in their courtship, Leo mistakenly believed Javi was leaking Body & Soul spoilers to The Spectator. The false accusation nearly derailed their budding romance, pushing both men to confront their trust issues. But through heartfelt conversations and genuine forgiveness, the pair rekindled their connection.

By early 2025, Leo and Javi were discussing serious next steps. That deepening bond reached a new level when a newborn was left at the firehouse where Javi works. The couple took the baby in, with Javi naming him Tesoro. Now stepping into foster parenthood together, Leo and Javi are becoming one of Salem’s most talked-about new families—with possible adoption on the horizon

Javi’s arrival in Salem wasn’t just about romance—it was also about reconnection. Moving in with his cousins, Gabi and Rafe, gave Javi the chance to rebuild after losing his mother. Gabi quickly embraced her cousin, offering both emotional support and some tough love—especially when it came to Leo. With Rafe, Javi shares a more complex journey. Tension surfaced when Javi learned their mother had left a family heirloom to Rafe instead of him. The emotional moment forced both men to open up about the past, forging a deeper, more honest relationship.

About Face…Who Will Be Javi Now?

Javi may be getting a new face, and with that comes an exciting opportunity for another young actor to showcase their talent. Here are a few current and past soap stars who could tackle the role.

Alex Alegria is currently playing Tomas on Beyond The Gates, and is embroiled in the start of a love triangle, which could see the leading man breaking both lady’s hearts and his character being forced out of town by the powerful Dupree family.

Jason Canela won over soap fans with his portrayal of Arturo on The Young and the Restless. The actor was last seen in the role when he returned to Genoa City for the wedding of his cousin, Rey (Jordi Vilasuso, who coincidentally played the cousin of Javi, Dario).

Bryan Craig made a name for himself starring as Morgan on General Hospital. The actor received two consecutive Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Younger Actor category in 2016 and 2017, while also scoring a nomination in 2015. He returned to GH last summer as Morgan when the character’s father, Sonny (Maurice Benard), was in the throes of a mental health crisis. Morgan urged Sonny to continue to fight through. Now would be a perfect time for the actor to make a comeback to the genre that launched his career.

Chance Perez, who was a member of the band In Real Life, also starred on Power Rangers Dino Fury as Javi Garcia. Based on both of those former projects, he would bring a big fan base of younger viewers to the show and has the talent to pull off the role. Also, in real life (pardon the pun), he is actually a certified EMT, much like the character on DAYS.

Diego Tinoco gained buzz for his portrayal of Cesar Diaz on the Netflix comedy, On My Block. He looks the part and fits the age range perfectly. The scene stealer would make a splash in Salem and also has the potential to bring over a sizeable fan base.

Can you see any of these actors in the role, or do you have others in mind? Sound off in the comments below!

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