On June 2nd 2025, longtime Days of Our Lives character John Black was written out following the death of his portrayer, Drake Hogestyn. Since then, viewers have wondered what the loss means for John’s on-screen widow, Marlena Black (Deidre Hall), and whether the iconic character could ever find love again. Now, the soap’s head writers are offering new insight into Marlena’s future.
The updates comes from Days of Our Lives head writers Jeanne Marie Ford and Paula Cwikly, who spoke with TV Insider reporter Stephanie Sloan about upcoming storylines and behind-the-scenes changes viewers can expect in 2026.
Addressing Marlena’s romantic future, the writers said, “Anything is possible, but Marlena’s grief for John is consuming, and she is certainly not looking for love at this time.”
? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox?
Deidre Hall previously shared a similar perspective while attending Days of Our Lives 60thanniversarycelebration late last year. Speaking with Woman’s World, the actress acknowledged that while Marlena is grieving, she doesn’t believe the door is permanently closed.
“I think Marlena will love again,” Hall said, adding that any future pairing would be up to the show’s creative team. “That’s up to casting, and our writers.”
Hall expressed confidence in the direction of the series, noting, “They’re so good at this. They’re also smart enough to know that’s a big ask, to find somebody for Marlena.”
Hogeystyn joined Days of Our Lives in 1986 in the mysterious role known as “The Pawn,” a storyline that eventually revealed him as Marlena’s presumed-dead husband, Roman Brady. When original Roman portrayer Wayne Northrop later returned to the series, the show reestablished Northrop as “the real Roman,” while Hogestyn’s character became John Black.
John and Marlena went on to become one of daytime televisions most enduring super couples, sharing children and grandchildren, the pair anchored major storylines for decades and earned a devoted fan following.
Hogestyn passed away in 2024 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.
Hence then, the article about days of our lives writers reveal whether marlena will love again was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 'Days of Our Lives' Writers Reveal Whether Marlena Will Love Again )
Also on site :
- Dispatch centers in Marin County down, service outage reported for 911 calls
- Insilico Medicine Announce US$888 Million Multi-Year Collaboration with Servier for Drug Discovery and Development in Oncology
- CTA: Despite Tariffs and Economic Headwinds, U.S. Consumer Tech Revenue to Hit $565 Billion in 2026