User:Nk3play2/EJ DiMera

EJ DiMera
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed by	Avalon, Dillon, and Vincent Ragone (1997–1998) James Scott (2006–2014) Trey Baxter (2018) Dan Feuerriegel (2021–present)
Duration	1997–1998 2006–2014 2018 2021–present
First appearance	February 21, 1997 (1997-02-21)
Classification	Present; regular
Created by	James E. Reilly and Kola Boof
Introduced by	Ken Corday and Tom Langan
In-universe information Other names John Black, Jr. Elvis Aron Banks Elvis Aron DiMera EJ Wells Occupation Racing driver Lawyer Mobster Businessman Politician Father Stefano DiMera Mother Susan Banks Stepfather John Black (1997) Edmund Crumb (1998–201?) Roger Fisher (201?–present) Stepmother Vivian Alamain (1998–1999) Kate Roberts (2009–2012) Half-brothers André DiMera Tony DiMera (legal) Peter Blake (adoptive) Stefan DiMera Jake Lambert Benjy Hawk Chad DiMera Half-sisters Kristen DiMera (adoptive) Renée DuMonde Megan Hathaway Lexie Carver Spouse Sami Brady (2007–2008, 2014–present) Nicole Walker (2009–2010, 2011–2012) Sons Johnny DiMera Daughters Sydney DiMera Stepsons Will Horton Stepdaughters Allie Horton

EJ DiMera is a fictional character from daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. The character first appeared in the February 21, 1997 episode when he is born onscreen to Susan Banks (Eileen Davidson) and Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo). Initially played by child actors, the role was most notably portrayed by James Scot (2006–2014). In 2021, Dan Feuerriegel was cast in the role.

At the time of his birth, Elvis is passed off as his sister Kristen DiMera's son with John Black (Drake Hogestyn). When his true parentage is exposed, Susan leaves town with Elvis and her husband.

Storylines

2021–present

In 2021, EJ (Feuerriegel) returns to Salem unexpectedly to reconcile with Sami.

Development

Casting and creation

The role was played by child actors, Avalon, Dillon & Vincent Ragone from the character's onscreen birth until April 23, 1998. Scott's casting was announced in May 2006. He filmed his first scenes on May 3, 2006 and made his debut on May 30. Former scriptwriter, Kola Boof revealed that it had come down to Scott and former Passions star Justin Hartley. Boof said "But I pushed for Scott because he was perfect; he was EJ." She continued that "James was the total package: sexy, debonair and talented. They couldn’t decide on whom to cast so they asked me to make the final decision. Luckily, they listened to me." Scott was living in New York when he was contacted by NBC about the role. While his character had recently been killed off of All My Children, Scott was still contracted by ABC "so I had to ask them if they would release me. Very graciously and very kindly they did, and I’m very grateful for that."

Trey Baxter October 12 to November 8, 2018

Former The Young and the Restless star Daniel Goddard revealed that he was in talks with the producers to play EJ but turned down the role due to prior commitments and because Days had not been picked up for additional seasons.

Characterization

Lineage and background

According to Boof, she also helped to create the role of EJ Wells and was actually the person who decided to cast Scott in the role. Boof, titled her initial character bible for EJ Wells as "The Devil Finds Work." Boof revealed to Nelson Branco of TV Guide that EJ initially comes to town to avenge his mother, Susan who by that time had been in a mental institution. Eileen Davidson was set to reprise the role for a few episodes slated to air in the fall. However, the planned story was abandoned when Boof was fired from the writing team. The character was always meant to be a race car driver, but following Boof's firing, his career as a racer was also forgotten about, and he was instead written as a lawyer. Majority of EJ's childhood is spent with a nanny whom he refers to as his governess, whom he compares to Mary Poppins. EJ begins attending boarding schools at a very young age. EJ is a fan of Jazz music. EJ attends Eton College along with Duke of Cambridge, Prince William (revising his birth year to 1982) and even serviced his car at one point. EJ later attends Oxford University. During this time, EJ is in a long term romance with another woman, and they graduate Oxford together. However, she wants to pursue a career while EJ is given the chance to compete in the European racing circuit. He asks her to come with him, but she refuses and they go their separate ways. EJ then dedicates himself to racing, and becomes known worldwide for his skill. After college, works in Cairo doing import and export work and also lives in India for a while. EJ also has experience as a bartender. He spends a lot of time Monte Carlo as a race car driver.

Reintroduction (2021)

On March 31, 2021, Jillian Bowe of Daytime Confidential reported Feurriegel's casting however the network had yet to officially confirm the news as the time.

On May 21, 2021, the casting was officially announced by Deadline Hollywood.