Jacob Martinez to Recast Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives - Debut Set for June 30

Jacob Martinez has been announced as the new actor to play Javi Hernandez on the long‑running soap opera Days of Our Lives. The casting change first appeared in a Deadline story on April 30, 2026, and was confirmed by the show’s official Instagram account on May 1. Martinez’s first episode as Javi will air on Peacock on June 30, 2026.

Javi Hernandez is a gay character who has appeared on the series since 2014. The role was previously portrayed by Al Calderon. In the storyline that led to the recast, Javi left Salem after a breakup with Leo. That fallout was triggered by Leo’s former partner Dmitri’s return and a heart attack suffered by Javi’s father. The character’s exit was written to allow for a fresh portrayal.

Nebraska‑born Martinez is openly gay and of Hispanic heritage. He has worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and has said publicly that his background informs his acting. In an interview with Out magazine, he explained that being an EMT, a Hispanic, and a gay man helped him draw from real‑life experiences when he first read the scripts.

Prior to joining the soap, Martinez performed in a stage production of In Pieces at Joe’s Pub in New York, appeared in the short film Memory Swim, and served as an assistant to pop star Madison Beer in a LEGO Fortnite commercial. In May 2026 he posted on Instagram that the chance to play a character he felt was missing from television as a child is a significant milestone.

Days of Our Lives has been a staple of American daytime television since 1965. The series moved from NBC to the streaming service Peacock in September 2022 after 57 years on the network. It continues to produce new episodes daily, with the first episode featuring Martinez scheduled for the end of June.

The recast fits a broader trend of long‑running soaps updating their casts to reflect contemporary audiences. Bringing in a new actor for a key LGBTQ+ character follows the show’s history of addressing diverse storylines, including the introduction of Javi’s character in 2014.

Industry observers note that the move could attract viewers interested in seeing a fresh face in a familiar role. The show’s executive producer, Ken Corday, who has overseen the series since 1986, has guided the program through its transition to streaming.

While the recast has generated excitement among fans, the show’s producers emphasize continuity. According to the Days of Our Lives Instagram post, the new actor will honor the character’s history while bringing his own perspective to the role.

The upcoming episodes will also explore Javi’s relationships and challenges in Salem, the fictional Illinois town that serves as the backdrop for the series’ intertwined family dramas.

As the show continues to adapt to the streaming era, the addition of Martinez to the cast underscores the industry’s ongoing efforts to diversify representation on daytime television.

The first episode featuring Jacob Martinez as Javi Hernandez will stream on Peacock on June 30, 2026. Fans can expect to see the new actor bring his background and experience to the role, continuing the character’s story within the long‑running soap.