The Young and the Restless Fans Slam “Appalling” Cane Ashby Recast
The Young and The Restless spoilers and updates reveal some fans are upset with the new recast of Cane Ashby, formerly Daniel Goddard, now Billy Flynn. They think it’s egregious for Cane to be so much younger than the original and even worse, he has no Australian accent!
The Mysterious “Aristotle Dumas” Was Revealed To Be Cane Ashby
Cane Ashby first appeared on The Young and the Restless in 2007, portrayed by actor Daniel Goddard-at that time, the character was modified to align with Goddard’s Australian heritage.
Goddard exited the show around 2019-however, Cane made a comeback in 2025, revealed to be the alter-ego of the enigmatic Aristotle Dumas. In a surprising twist, Cane was recast with a new actor, Billy Flynn, known for his role on Days of Our Lives.
This recent change has left fans curious about the implications for the character; many are particularly interested in how, or if, the show will address Cane’s altered appearance or accent.
Earlier this year, there were rumors that Goddard might reprise his role as Cane; in 2025, fans also saw him appear on General Hospital as the recurring character Professor Henry Dalton.
How Did Cane De-Age And Lose His Australian Accent?
One concern fans have pointed out is that Cane seems to be much younger since he returned to the soap; Goddard was born in 1971, while Flynn was born in 1985.
One fan stated on social media, “This is the most outrageous example of character de-aging I’ve ever experienced.” They added, “Cane is MEANT to be the same age as Christine and Nina since he was posing as the real Phillip Chancellor III (Thom Bierdz) when he first arrived.
Phillip, Nina Webster (Tricia Cast), and Christine Williams (Lauralee Bell) were all teenagers in the 80s; they’re all almost 60.” “Now Daniel Goddard already represented a few years younger than what he was supposed to be if he was meant to be around Phillip’s age, but not by 20 YEARS!
Some Fans Can’t Get By The Age Difference
One posted, “Billy Flynn is only 40; this is ridiculous-why couldn’t they create a completely new character?” Even fans who appreciated Flynn thought casting him as Cane was a poor choice, as the plot might not add up. One fan commented, “Billy Flynn deserves better.” They further elaborated, “I was really let down to learn that Billy Flynn is taking on the role of Cane.
How can I believe that Cane turned into a mysterious billionaire in just 6 years, while Lilly and his children were completely unaware of it?!” They added, “This plot is absurd-now Cane will be fixated on winning Lily back, and he’s no longer available for any other women. I am SO angry.
Fans Continued With Sometimes Conflicting Opinions
Others expressed their opinions about the topic-some fans suggested that age can be subjective in soap operas and that a little suspension of disbelief is preferable. Others brought up different concerns, such as Cane’s accent-additionally, some fans appreciated Flynn but believed he would fit better as another character.
Comments included: “This reveal fell flat; at least I won’t have to hear Aristotle Dumaaaa’s name again; Daniel Goddard deserves better-I doubt this recast will succeed.” Y&R should have done everything possible to bring Daniel Goddard back.” “It’s hard to believe Billy Flynn is Cane, he should have been a new character-I could have accepted that too. “Tucker having a long-lost son would have felt more plausible than changing Cane’s age and accent;” what are your thoughts on Billy Flynn as Cane on The Young and the Restless?
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