<P> On May 8, 2017, Entertainment Weekly announced that Massey would reprise the role of Will, beginning September 2017 . Massey told the publication: "I am so excited to be bringing Will back (...) I can't wait for the fans to see what we have planned ." Sweeney, whose return had been previously announced, told Soap Opera Digest: "I'm so excited to work with Chandler again . It will be fun to see what they have in store for our characters ." Massey made his return appearance as Will on September 15, 2017 . </P> <P> In the show, the character is named William Reed at birth--with "William" being after his aunt Billie Reed (Lisa Rinna), who is both the sister of Austin Reed (who's believed to be Will's father when Will is born), and half - sister to Lucas (Will's real biological father). When Will's real paternity is publicly revealed two years later, Will's surname is changed to Lucas's . As Lucas is using his mother's surname of Roberts, Will becomes Will Roberts - which is the name Will has through most of his childhood . In 2007, when Will is nearly fifteen, Lucas changes both their surnames to that of his father, Bill Horton . Will is the great grandson of Days of Our Lives original couple, Tom and Alice Horton . </P> <P> Will's parents, Sami and Lucas, have an on - and off - relationship over the years, and this affects Will . The Sony Pictures web page for Will stated his "turbulent upbringing" makes the young Will "moody and suspicious", but About.com's profile on the character says Will overcame the turmoil of his upbringing, and grew up to be a "kind - hearted" and "level - headed" teenager . In an early interview, Massey said Will is "a great guy...he kind of had an interesting upbringing, but he turned out to be a really good kid, very forgiving ." Massey added: "He doesn't like being lied to, definitely, but that happens all the time to him . He's very mature for his age . Sometimes it seems like he is the parent in the relationship" (with his mom Sami). </P> <P> Will has a streak of optimism, demonstrated in his childhood ambition to get his parents together as a couple, against all odds . He has a "strong bond" with his one - time "father", his "beloved" Uncle Austin, and his Aunt Carrie . Will also has a close relationship with his Grandma Marlena (Deidre Hall), who helps him through his struggles to come out . She tells Will he is "one of the bravest men I've ever known". Wilson said Will is "very passionate about everything he does". </P>

Is there a new will on days of our lives