Has Billy Flynn won us over already? Fans weigh in on The Young and the Restless recast

On The Young and the Restless, we discovered that the mysterious Billionaire, Aristotle Dumas, is Cane Ashby, but with one difference: Billy Flynn has taken over the role. Fans reacted to the news of the recast, but almost one month later, how do they feel now?

The new Cane on The Young and the Restless

Billy Flynn took over the role of Cane Ashby on June 20th, 2025. Previously played by Daniel Goddard, the two Canes look nothing alike, and Cane’s Australian accent is gone. Since the recast was announced, Flynn has said in several interviews that he wouldn't be using an Australian accent and would bring his own and unique interpretation to the character. It’s always a hard thing to imagine someone new playing a role that was famously filled by another person, and preconceived concepts and notions are brought into it. Now that Flynn has been playing Cane for several weeks, how is the role growing on people? The Soap Central Message Boards have the answers.

Billy Flynn is doing a great job

Message board member Kihei94 wrote, “Actor is doing great at showing the character to be underhanded, evil, creepy, and drunk on power. That stare is creeeeeeeepy.”

Valued contributor zenmaster5 added, “I agree with you about the actor Billy Flynn and his role as Cane Ashby...he's got those eyes that looks right through you! That stare of his is penetrating and creepy as if he's trying to see into a person's mind! The actor really is showing us the side of Cane that is underhanded, a force to be reckoned with...a big gun in business, and I am really loving it! I can't wait to see what he does next.”

Forever Fan had this to say: “NuCane is easy on the eyes and fun to watch, but he comes across as creepy and diabolical. He's a puppet master who has essentially entrapped and lied to a bunch of people by not allowing them access to the outside world. He should know that Victoria is tending to her very sick (and now dead) partner, but he doesn't care. Doesn't care that Devon and Abby have a small child who probably feels abandoned by his parents. Both Nick and Sharon are out of touch with their offspring. And then he sits in his room in the chateau and spies on people. Why would Lily or any other woman on the show be interested in a man so emotionally detached and controlling?”

Dlee72 commented, “Loving BF as Cane. Cane finally has some personality and charisma. DGs version was boring and absolutely nothing alluring or intimidating about his version of Cane.”

One of the comments that stuck out to me was this one by valued contributor Rubythroat1, “I think Cane (BF) is very engaging, charismatic, and although intense, not " creepy" at all. His look is direct, unwavering and I think he has developed a sense of his opponent, along the way. He is totally unflappable with anyone but Lilly. Lilly is his Kryptonite.”

Trending

So, Mr. Flynn, you are doing a fantastic job of your portrayal of Cane Ashby and taking on the Aristotle Dumas persona on The Young and the Restless. Soap fans can be fickle and very passionate about the characters they watch day to day — and year in, year out. Three weeks in, and you are most definitely Cane Ashby. Do you agree or disagree? Leave your thoughts and comments below.

Watch what happens on The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback