In true Days of Our Lives fashion, Salem may once again find itself staring down the barrel of chaos. Why? Because the soap world’s most deliciously diabolical villain, Stefano DiMera, could be making yet another comeback, and yes, the internet is already spiraling.
Nicknamed “The Phoenix” for a reason, Stefano DiMera’s whole thing has always been rising from the dead. Literal death means nothing when you’ve got a mad scientist on payroll and a flair for operatic entrances. And now, even after the passing of Days of Our Lives‘ legendary actor Joseph Mascolo, whispers of his possible return are turning the streets of Salem cold with dread and excitement. So what’s sparking the rumors?
Let’s rewind to Marlena Evans’ recent health scare. After collapsing and being rushed to the hospital, it wasn’t just her vitals that were going haywire, it was her subconscious too. While unconscious, Marlena dreamt she was draped in gothic opera robes, resembling the Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute. There were flames. There were shadows. There were flashbacks of Stefano’s haunting stare. Coincidence? Hardly. When Marlena woke, shaken and unsure, fans immediately clocked it as a message from the grave, or maybe not the grave at all.
As if that wasn’t enough to set off the DiMera alarms, Rafe Hernandez dropped a line that could send chills down even Kristen’s spine: “Stefano doesn’t just die, he comes back. Always.”
Is Stefano DiMera Returning To Days of Our Lives?
Meanwhile, over at the DiMera mansion, Anna confessed to Tony that she overheard someone whispering Stefano’s name like he’s still alive. Tony’s cryptic response? “If father is out there, he’ll make himself known soon enough.” That doesn’t scream “he’s dead,” now does it?
And then, let’s talk about the most spine-tingling breadcrumb yet, the lab. Deep under Salem, where only bad things happen and time seems optional, we see a shadowy figure in a lab coat. Classical music plays as machinery flickers and hums with eerie anticipation. And then we hear it: “It’s almost time, Father.” Excuse us while we scream.
This is classic Stefano territory. The man has been cloned, cryogenically frozen, brainwashed, possessed people, and cheated death more times than Bo Brady has returned from the dead, and that’s saying something.
Now, here’s the kicker: Joseph Mascolo was Stefano. Period. But could Days really recast him? Soap fans are torn. Some suggest a return for Thaao Penghlis in a dual role. Others whisper about a new face emerging from the shadows. Either way, whoever dons the Phoenix’s crown has massive, opera-sized shoes to fill.
A new Stefano Headed To Salem?
If Stefano is coming back, buckle up. The DiMera family may be headed straight into another Game of Thrones-esque meltdown. And don’t even get us started on Cat and Rafe, they’d better start locking their doors.
Ultimately, this wouldn’t be just a comeback; it would be a full-blown narrative earthquake. Days fans live for the drama, and Stefano’s return promises just that: brain-bending plots, explosive secrets, and maybe even some “legal but definitely unethical” science fiction nonsense. We can’t wait.
So, is the Phoenix rising again? The signs are pointing to a possible Stefano DiMera return, and Days of Our Lives fans could see Salem get rocked in a very big way.
Nina Franklin 
Kendra Quinn 
