Hernandez’s brother shocked Rafe and Gabi when he suddenly returned. – Days spoilers

Excitement is building in Salem as Days of Our Lives prepares to introduce a brand-new character to the mix this fall. Fans were teased earlier this year with hints of Al Calderon’s appearance, but now we have confirmation that his character will be connected to some familiar faces. Calderon, a talented actor making waves in the soap world, will portray Rafe and Gabby Hernandez’s cousin. However, there’s still much mystery surrounding his role.

While his character’s name has yet to be formally announced, rumors swirling behind the scenes suggest that he’ll be stepping into the shoes of Javi. If true, this new character could turn the town upside down, and we’re about to dive into the possibilities. The Hernandez family has been central to Salem for years, with Rafe and Gabby navigating their own share of drama, secrets, and betrayal. Now, with Javi potentially entering the fold, things could take an unexpected turn.

What sort of history does Javi share with his cousins? Why has he been absent all these years? Does he have a hidden agenda, or is he genuinely seeking to reconnect with his family? From what we’ve seen in Salem, new arrivals never come without their own baggage. Javi’s entrance could stir up past secrets, reignite family tensions, or even introduce an entirely new dynamic. Rafe and Gabby have never mentioned their cousin before, so why now? Is this reunion out of love and nostalgia, or is Javi hiding something darker beneath the surface?

But Javi’s story might not stop with his family ties. There are whispers that he could make an appearance on Body and Soul, the beloved in-universe soap opera that has seen a recent revival. If Javi joins the cast, it would be a clever nod to his on-screen and off-screen personas, blending the lines between fiction and reality in classic Days of Our Lives style.

And then there’s the matter of Mark Green. Mark has been a bit of a wild card, and with his tangled relationships and secrets, his connection to Javi could be explosive. Leo Stark, with his always on-point “gaydar,” suspects that Mark might be more than he seems. Could Javi be the man to finally shake things up in Mark’s love life? Leo’s intuition is rarely wrong, so the possibility of a romantic—or even a heated physical—connection between Javi and Mark is definitely on the table.

We’ve seen Mark seemingly locked into a heterosexual relationship—or so he claims. He often talks about his mysterious girlfriend, but fans know better than to take everything at face value. Could it be that Mark has been covering up his true feelings all along? If so, Javi’s arrival could blow Mark’s secret wide open. Perhaps Javi will be the catalyst for Mark to confront his sexuality, or even ignite a passionate love affair.

Of course, all this drama could lead to a major shakeup for the Hernandez family. Gabby, never one to shy away from confrontation, might not be too thrilled to see a new relative suddenly waltzing into her life. Rafe, on the other hand, has been trying to keep the peace in his family, but Javi’s presence could add even more strain to an already complex situation. Will Javi become a trusted ally, or a thorn in their sides? Could his appearance lead to tension between Gabby and Rafe, altering their sibling dynamic forever?

The possibilities are endless, and fans are already speculating on what kind of chaos Javi might bring with him. But one thing is clear—Javi’s arrival will not be without its surprises. Days of Our Lives spoilers suggest that when Al Calderon finally steps into the role, he’ll bring a twist that no one sees coming. Stay tuned as Al Calderon makes his debut, and we uncover just what Salem’s newest resident has in store for everyone.