Days of Our Lives has kicked off 2026 with what can only be described as a casting bloodbath. Four of the show’s younger cast members have reportedly been given the pink slip, including Carson Boatman, Ashley Puzemis, Raven Bowens, and Leo Howard. The news was first reported by the Daily Mail, which also noted that other cast members are now feeling uneasy after learning how blindsided these four were by the decision.
Carson Boatman, who has played Johnny DiMera since August 2021, spoke to the Daily Mail about his exit. Johnny, of course, is the son of Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), making his departure especially impactful for longtime fans.
Boatman shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on his time with the show.
Carson Boatman on His Days Exit
“I am incredibly grateful for the past five years,” he said. “I have nothing but love and respect for everyone over there, from top to bottom. The closing of this chapter is bittersweet for me, as I’ve cherished every moment spent walking those halls and on the sound stages. A lot of tears, and a lot of laughter, have been spilled on all those sets by so many people, including myself.”
He continued, “I am genuinely so excited to see what the future holds for me, as well as the show. P.S. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been a fan of Johnny. The show tapes a long way in advance, so we’ll still be seeing a lot of him for quite a while.”
Johnny and Chanel’s Ongoing Storyline
Boatman’s Johnny has been at the center of major storylines, particularly as part of his popular pairing with Raven Bowens’ Chanel Dupree DiMera. Together, the couple has driven major plots, including Johnny’s recent trial, where he was accused of shooting his own father.
Most recently, Johnny and Chanel adopted a child, and soon after learned they were expecting another. With the pregnancy deemed high risk, Johnny wants Chanel to have an abortion, while Chanel is determined to go through with it.
These four departures are just part of a larger wave of casting changes at Days of Our Lives this year. Because the show tapes so far in advance, Johnny is expected to remain on screen well into late 2026 or possibly early 2027.
How do you feel about this exit and the other casting shake-ups in Salem? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Photo: JPI Studios.
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