Salem is once again abuzz with speculation, and it’s all thanks to a powerful, emotionally charged dream sequence that has left fans wondering: Is Adrienne Kiriakis about to make her way back from the dead? The beloved character, thought to have been tragically killed in a 2019 car crash, made a surprise appearance in a recent episode—but not in the way anyone expected.

In a hauntingly beautiful dream, Steve Johnson was visited by none other than Adrienne herself. At first, he believed he was seeing Bonnie Lockhart—Adrienne’s notorious doppelganger. But as the figure in his dream gently corrected him, saying “It’s me, Steve. Not Bonnie. Just me,” viewers were taken on an emotional ride that reignited memories of Adrienne’s warmth and the special bond she shared with her brother.

The moment was more than just sentimental fan service. It carried purpose. Adrienne spoke of John Black, revealing that he’s “in heaven now” and assuring Steve that she’s taking care of him. Her presence, though dreamlike, felt incredibly real and significant—raising more questions than it answered. Was this simply a comforting vision? Or a teaser carefully placed by the show’s new writing team to signal her eventual return?

Dream sequences in Days of Our Lives are rarely just dreams. They often serve as narrative foreshadowing, especially when laced with mystery and emotional weight. Adrienne’s sudden reappearance feels intentionally crafted to stir fan excitement—and speculation is already running wild on social media.

Let’s not forget: Adrienne’s original “death” left many fans unsatisfied. Orchestrated by the villainous Orpheus, the fatal car crash felt abrupt and cruel, a departure unworthy of such a pivotal character. Her husband Justin was left devastated. Her son Sonny struggled to move forward. And Steve, her fiercely loyal brother, never truly found peace after her loss.

So why bring Adrienne back now? The answer may lie with the new creative team behind the scenes. Known for pushing boundaries and honoring the show’s rich history, the writers are clearly weaving a more complex and emotional web of storylines. Adrienne’s dream visitation feels like a calculated move—a test to see how fans respond. Judging by the chatter online, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Fans are dissecting every line from the dream, especially Adrienne’s cryptic comments about John. Was she implying that he’s truly passed on? Or was it a symbolic reference to his state of mind? The ambiguity is classic Days—designed to keep viewers hooked. More intriguingly, Adrienne’s peaceful and radiant demeanor suggests she’s at peace—but what if that’s exactly the misdirection the writers want us to believe?

There’s also the practical side to consider. Judy Evans, who portrayed Adrienne with heartfelt grace, continues to appear on the show as Bonnie. The challenge of bringing back a character who shares a face with another on canvas might seem daunting, but Evans has proven she can handle both roles with nuance. A storyline where Adrienne and Bonnie coexist—or even come face to face—could deliver explosive drama.

Imagine Adrienne walking back into Salem to discover that her lookalike has taken her place in her husband’s life. Justin, who has been slowly building a future with Bonnie, would be forced to confront unresolved grief and a complicated new reality. Would he rekindle his love for Adrienne or stay loyal to the woman who helped him heal?

Sonny, too, would be impacted. The return of his mother could help resolve the emotional turmoil he’s endured since her death—and set off new conflicts as he grapples with what her reappearance means for his identity and future. And for Steve, Adrienne’s return would be a deeply personal reunion. His unwavering bond with his sister would find new life, giving him a renewed sense of purpose amid the chaos Salem so often delivers.

The potential ripple effect throughout the canvas is enormous. Adrienne’s return wouldn’t just be a personal triumph—it would dramatically shift existing relationships, stir up old rivalries, and breathe new life into some stagnant story arcs.

The idea isn’t far-fetched. Days of Our Lives has a long history of dramatic resurrections. Characters presumed dead—sometimes for years—have reappeared through wild plot twists involving amnesia, kidnappings, and even secret scientific experiments. Adrienne’s death, while tragic, left enough narrative wiggle room. Fans never saw the kind of finality that would make her return impossible.

And what if Orpheus faked her death for some long-game revenge plot? Perhaps Adrienne has been in hiding, or imprisoned in some off-grid facility, and the dream was a spiritual projection as she fights her way back. The show has pulled off far stranger twists.

Not all fans are convinced, of course. Some argue the dream was simply a farewell—a chance for Steve to gain closure, and for viewers to remember Adrienne one last time. Her mention of “taking care of John in heaven” may have been meant to reassure rather than foreshadow.

But the level of detail in the dream, and the emotional weight behind it, suggests otherwise. The scene didn’t feel like a goodbye. It felt like a door cracking open. One fan on X said it best: “That wasn’t just a dream. That was the writers saying, ‘We’re not done with Adrienne yet.’”

And fans want more. The hashtag #BringBackAdrienne has started trending in Days communities, with longtime viewers expressing hope that her story will continue. Judy Evans’ portrayal of Adrienne has left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. Bringing her back could serve as both a nostalgic return and a launchpad for new arcs.

Of course, the writers would have to tread carefully. Balancing the return of Adrienne while keeping Bonnie active in the storyline would require deft storytelling. But the reward—reigniting fan enthusiasm and deepening character arcs—would be well worth it.

Adrienne’s potential comeback also represents something bigger. In a show that thrives on dramatic resurrections and unexpected twists, this could be the start of a new chapter—one where the past is honored but the future remains thrillingly uncertain. Adrienne’s return could shake Salem to its core, reuniting family, testing loyalties, and reminding viewers that in Days of Our Lives, anything is possible.

So, is Adrienne truly on her way back? Or was that dream simply a beautiful mirage—a tribute to a character we still hold dear? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the dream has reignited hope, and fans are ready to welcome Adrienne home.

Let us know your thoughts. Is a shocking return just around the corner? Stay tuned, Salemites—because in this town, the dead don’t always stay dead.