The drama in Salem just hit a fever pitch—and it’s not just on screen. In a move that’s left fans reeling, Days of Our Lives has pulled off one of its most shocking recasts in recent history. The beloved and fiery teen Sophia Choy, introduced in the show’s landmark 15,000th episode, is at the center of a casting storm that has the soap world buzzing.

Let’s dive into the casting chaos, emotional high-stakes storytelling, and behind-the-scenes twists that have made the Sophia Choy saga the biggest soap bombshell of 2025.

A Star Is Born: Maline Kint Lights Up Salem

The saga began with Maline Kint, a Texas-born talent who stormed into Salem with undeniable charisma. Making her debut during the soap’s 15,000th episode in April 2024, Kint’s Sophia Choy was anything but your typical teenager. Introduced as Holly Jonas’s childhood best friend, Sophia was smart, sassy, and always one step ahead.

From her very first scene in the Brady Pub, her chemistry with Holly and the mysterious Tate Black (Leo Howard) made it clear she was going to stir the pot in all the right ways. Sophia wasn’t just another high school senior—she was a fierce, unapologetic whirlwind of emotions, ambition, and drama.

Kint’s performance was electric. Already recognized for her role as Max on Big Sky and other TV credits, she brought a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength to Sophia. Her portrayal was so impactful that by October 2024, she was offered a contract with Days of Our Lives, signaling a long-term investment in the character.

Pregnancy Bombshell and Emotional Fallout

Just when fans thought they knew where Sophia’s story was headed, the teen pregnancy arc exploded in early 2025. After a passionate night with Tate, Sophia learned she was pregnant—rocking not just her life, but the entire teen storyline in Salem.

Her devoutly religious mother, Amy Choy, forbade any thoughts of abortion and pushed for a hasty marriage to Tate. But Sophia, still figuring out her own life and dreams, wasn’t ready to become a mother—let alone a wife. This storyline tore apart her friendship with Holly, who was devastated to learn her best friend was pregnant with her boyfriend’s child.

Kint’s emotionally rich portrayal of Sophia during this arc was nothing short of phenomenal. Whether confronting Amy’s rigid beliefs or breaking down in Tate’s arms, Sophia’s pain, confusion, and strength were palpable.

So, when news broke in January 2025 that Kint was stepping away from the role, fans were stunned. Her final scenes, airing January 27th, left viewers in tears as Sophia stood at a crossroads—trapped between her mother’s expectations and her own uncertain future.

A New Face Takes the Stage: Rachel Boyd Steps In

Enter Rachel Boyd, the fresh-faced actress who stepped into Sophia’s shoes on February 12th, 2025. With the pregnancy storyline reaching its emotional climax, Boyd had big shoes to fill—and high expectations from an audience still grieving Kint’s departure.

Boyd approached the role with respect and originality. While she studied some of Kint’s episodes, she made a conscious decision not to imitate, instead focusing on bringing new emotional layers to Sophia’s journey. Her vulnerability and quiet strength quickly became hallmarks of the new Sophia, earning praise from both fans and co-stars.

Leo Howard, who plays Tate, praised Boyd in an interview, saying, “She’s brought a softness to Sophia that feels very real. There’s a different kind of emotional depth now.” The chemistry between Boyd’s Sophia and Tate added fresh tension to the teen love triangle, keeping fans glued to their screens.

The Climax: Baby Arrives, Emotions Erupt

By July 2025, the teen pregnancy storyline reached its peak as Sophia gave birth. The scenes were raw, emotional, and unforgettable. Boyd’s performance showed a Sophia torn between joy and fear, empowerment and vulnerability. She loved her child, but the weight of responsibility—and her mother’s control—loomed large.

The question of adoption returned, with Tate gently suggesting they consider it. But Amy was having none of it. This clash of generational values, religious expectations, and youthful uncertainty gave the storyline its powerful edge.

In the midst of it all, Boyd continued to impress, proving she wasn’t just a placeholder—she was making the role her own.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Fandom

As with any major recast, the fanbase is split.

On Reddit and X, loyal supporters of Maline Kint expressed heartbreak over her departure. “Maline was Sophia,” one user wrote. “This feels like a completely different character now.” Meanwhile, others welcomed the change. “Rachel is bringing a different kind of magic. She’s more subtle, more layered,” another fan countered.

It’s a classic soap opera debate—loyalty to the original vs. openness to change. And with Sophia’s story still unfolding, both actresses have carved out their own space in the character’s legacy.

Could Maline Kint Return?

That’s the million-dollar question.

While Kint’s departure was said to be her own decision, no official reason has been given—sparking rumors of new opportunities in primetime or even film. But the lack of finality leaves the door wide open for a dramatic return.

In soapland, no door is ever truly closed. Whether it’s a time jump, a mysterious off-screen absence, or even a health-related twist, Days of Our Lives has a long history of bringing back beloved characters when fans least expect it.

A return by Kint could reignite Sophia’s fire, possibly repositioning her as a bolder, more independent version of herself. Or Boyd could continue to develop a more emotionally grounded Sophia, especially as the show explores college-aged storylines and the next generation of Salem drama.

What’s Next for Sophia Choy?

Whether portrayed by Maline Kint or Rachel Boyd, Sophia’s journey is far from over. With a new baby, fractured relationships, and a looming future filled with impossible choices, Sophia is poised to remain a central figure in the Salem teen scene.

Showrunner Janet Ducker has teased that the Tate–Sophia–Holly love triangle is far from resolved and that more emotional revelations are coming. Rumors even suggest a potential new love interest for Sophia—Doug Williams III, the grandson of Salem royalty.

New writers Paula Quickley and Gene Marie Ford are said to be steering the younger cast toward deeper, more socially resonant storylines—think mental health, reproductive rights, and young adulthood pressures. And with Sophia at the center, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Heart of Salem Beats On

This casting shake-up proves one thing: Days of Our Lives still knows how to stir emotion, spark debate, and keep fans talking.

Sophia Choy’s story—whether it’s told through Kint’s fiery edge or Boyd’s emotional subtlety—is a mirror for the challenges today’s teens face: identity, pressure, love, and agency. And in true soap fashion, the drama will only deepen from here.

So, will Maline Kint make a triumphant return and reclaim the role that made her a breakout star? Or will Rachel Boyd solidify her place in the hearts of fans as the definitive Sophia Choy for a new generation?

Either way, one thing’s for sure: Salem’s never been hotter—and we’ll be watching every twist and turn. 🔥📺