TL;DR
- Jacob Martinez recasts Javi Hernandez in Days of Our Lives.
- Martinez debuts on June 30 after Al Calderon’s exit.
- Fans can expect a short gap between the two actors.
- Martinez expresses gratitude for the opportunity.
- Javi’s storyline includes a temporary move away.
Hold onto your hats, Days of Our Lives fans, because Javi Hernandez is getting a fabulous makeover! Out actor Jacob Martinez is stepping into the iconic role, and let me tell you, the excitement is palpable. Peacock just dropped a first-look video of Martinez strutting his stuff in Salem, and we can’t wait to see him in action when he debuts on June 30. Talk about a summer treat!
Now, let’s spill the tea: Jacob is taking over from Al Calderon, who has been serving up the drama as Javi since August 2025. Calderon announced his exit last year, and while he’s still gracing our screens until May, fans are already buzzing about what Martinez will bring to the table. And guess what? Calderon himself is cheering on his successor, commenting, “LET’S GO BOYYYYY” on social media. Love the support!
So, what can we expect from Javi’s storyline? Rumor has it that he’ll be temporarily moving away amidst his marriage to Leo Stark, played by the fabulous Greg Rikaart, who just happens to be a Daytime Emmy-winning actor and out member of the LGBTQ community. It’s a match made in soap opera heaven!
Martinez has already expressed his gratitude for this incredible opportunity, posting on Instagram, “THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams.” Can we get an amen? He’s feeling blessed, supported, and loved, and honestly, who wouldn’t in this situation?
As we gear up for Jacob’s debut, we can’t help but reflect on how important representation is in the world of daytime television. With characters like Javi, who are not only complex but also authentically queer, we’re seeing a shift towards more inclusive storytelling. Martinez’s journey as an actor and his openness about reconciling his queer identity with his Christian faith only adds depth to the character he’s about to portray.
So, mark your calendars for June 30, and get ready to welcome Jacob Martinez to Salem! We’re all about supporting our LGBTQ+ talent, and we can’t wait to see how he brings Javi to life. Stay tuned, because this is one storyline you won’t want to miss!