Days of our lives spoilers: HOT Pregnancy Story Ends, Madelyn Kientz Returns, Rachel Boyd Exits DOOL
Today, we’re unraveling one of the most gripping sagas to hit the soap opera world in 2025 — the recasting of Sophia Choy.
Will Maline Ke, the original face of this fiery teen, return to reclaim her role now that the pregnancy storyline has reached its climax?
Or will Rachel Boyd, the newcomer who stepped into Sophia’s shoes, hold her ground in Salem?
Buckle up, because we’re about to explore every angle of this juicy drama, peeling back the layers of emotion, ambition, and heartbreak that define this iconic show.
A Star Is Born: Maline Kint’s Arrival in Salem
The saga begins with Maline Kint, a rising star who burst onto the Days of Our Lives scene like a comet streaking across the Salem sky.
Her debut came during the monumental 15,000th episode anniversary celebration in April 2024 — a moment that had fans buzzing.
This milestone episode, a love letter to longtime viewers, was filled with nostalgia and fresh faces.
At the heart of it? Kint as Sophia Choy, introduced as the childhood best friend of Holly Jonas, played by Ashley Puzemis.
From the moment Sophia stepped into the Brady Pub, her chemistry with Holly and her spark with Tate Black (Leo Howard) set the stage for a whirlwind of drama.
Sophia Choy: A Teen Torn Between Loyalty and Desire
Sophia was no ordinary teen.
Born to Amy Choy (Sherine Nielsen) and her husband, she was portrayed as a confident, headstrong high school senior with a penchant for stirring the pot.
Her friendship with Holly — rooted in preschool memories — quickly turned into a rivalry when both girls set their sights on Tate, the brooding son of Brady Black and Theresa Donovan.
Kint brought Sophia to life with fiery intensity and charisma that captivated audiences.
Her portrayal was layered, sharp, and unforgettable.
Kint’s Rise — and a Shocking Exit
Kint, a Texas native born September 13, 2003, already had an impressive resume.
From roles in Big Sky (as Max) to guest spots on The Unicorn and The Walking Dead: World Beyond, she was no stranger to the screen.
By October 2024, her popularity earned her a contract with Days, signaling the show’s investment in Sophia’s arc.
Then — shock.
In January 2025, just as the pregnancy storyline reached its boiling point, it was announced that Kint was leaving, and Rachel Boyd would take over as Sophia starting February 12, 2025.
The news rocked the fandom.
Kint’s final episode? January 27, 2025.
Reddit and X exploded with speculation:
Why was she leaving? Was it her choice? And who was Rachel Boyd?
The Storyline That Changed Everything
By early 2025, Sophia’s arc had become one of the most emotionally intense in the show’s history.
After a night with Tate, Sophia discovered she was pregnant — a revelation that devastated both her and those around her.
Her mother Amy, a strict and devout woman, forbade abortion and pressured Sophia to marry Tate.
Sophia, still in high school, was nowhere near ready.
Tate? Equally unprepared.
And Holly? Heartbroken by her best friend’s betrayal.
Kint delivered a tour de force performance, portraying Sophia’s desperation, anger, and fear.
Her scene with Tate, where she floated the idea of adoption, was raw and heartbreaking.
Rachel Boyd Steps In
When Rachel Boyd stepped into Sophia’s shoes, she knew the stakes were high.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Boyd said:
“I wanted to do justice to an experience so many women face — even though I’ve never lived it myself.”
Her portrayal brought a new layer of vulnerability to Sophia.
She respected Kint’s foundation but gave the character a different emotional shading.
Leo Howard, who plays Tate, praised Boyd, saying:
“Rachel has brought immense depth and uniqueness to Sophia. She’s a joy to work with.”
Boyd’s performance during the birth episodes in July 2025 earned critical acclaim — showcasing Sophia’s love, fear, and resentment in a powerful blend.
Will Maline Ke Return?
As the pregnancy arc concludes, fans are buzzing with speculation:
Could Maline Ke return?
After all, soap operas are known for revolving doors.
Actors come and go — and often, return.
Kint’s exit was said to be her choice, but the reasons remain unclear.
Was it to pursue prime-time projects?
Was the emotional weight of the storyline too much?
Either way, the door is open.
Rachel Boyd’s Rise — and the Future of Sophia
Boyd has won many fans with her interpretation, and the show’s writers, led by Janet Drucker, are leaning into this direction.
Sophia’s vulnerability, her budding romance with Tate, and her fractured friendship with Holly are still evolving — and Rachel Boyd is holding her own.
The 2025 writing team, including newcomers Paula Quickley and Gene Marie Ford, are crafting new twists.
Could a time jump or plot twist bring Maline back?
Or will Boyd become the definitive Sophia for this new generation?
Why This Story Matters
This recast isn’t just about swapping actors.
It’s about legacy, growth, and the emotional connection viewers form with their characters.
Sophia’s story — whether portrayed by Kint or Boyd — taps into real issues:
Teen pregnancy, parental pressure, friendship betrayal, and personal agency.
She is a beacon of Days of Our Lives’ ability to stay relevant, powerful, and unapologetically dramatic.
So, Days fans, what do you think?
Will Maline Ke return and reclaim Sophia?
Or is Rachel Boyd now the beating heart of Salem’s next generation?
