Dan Gauthier Joins Days of Our Lives as Peter Blake & Salem Is Officially in Trouble

Salem isn’t exactly known for its calm, stable energy but every once in a while Days of Our Lives tosses in a casting twist that makes even the most hardened soap fans sit up straighter. Dan Gauthier stepping in as the newly recast Peter Blake? That’s the kind of move that rattles the snow globe and sends the glitter flying.

Gauthier, best known for his soap-sturdy credentials and his effortlessly smug charm as Kevin Buchanan on the now defunct One Life to Live, is set to debut as Peter Blake on December 19th. And really, could there be a better role for a guy who can serve leading-man warmth and villain-adjacent smirk at the same time? Peter Blake is one of those classic 90s soap constructs, deeply tormented, occasionally tender, and morally flexible in the way only a DiMera-adjacent bad boy can be. Recasting him after more than two decades is bold. Recasting him with someone who can chew scenery like it’s a protein bar? Inspired.

Gauthier isn’t trying to recreate Jason Brooks’ original performance and thank goodness. Instead, he’s leaning into a fresh interpretation, one that lets the character evolve without ignoring the delightful trail of mess Peter left behind. Considering the character’s résumé includes forced romance, various crimes, and the occasional kidnapping (as one does in Salem), there’s plenty of soil to re-dig. And if you think he’s coming back just to exchange polite holiday greetings with the DiMeras… oh, sweet summer child.

The real fun is imagining how Peter slots into the current state of the ever-squabbling DiMera empire. The family is already bursting at the seams with egos, secrets and boardroom warfare. Dropping Peter back into the mix is the narrative equivalent of tossing an extra match into a bonfire. He has ties to Jennifer, unresolved baggage with Stefano’s legacy, and a personality that could ignite new rivalries before the opening credits finish rolling.

And for longtime soap-watchers, there’s an unexpected extra treat: Gauthier’s reunion with a few former co-stars behind the scenes means built-in chemistry, comfort, and the kind of quick rapport that often translates into electric on-screen energy. Salem loves its drama, but it also thrives on familiarity and Gauthier brings both in spades.

A walking plot device wrapped in charisma, ready to stir the DiMera pot until it boils over. If Days of Our Lives wants to keep viewers guessing through the holidays and beyond, this is exactly the kind of energy injection that does it.

Buckle up, Salem. Peter Blake is back. And this time, he’s bringing a makeover and a mission.