The Dawson’s Creek reunion on Monday night, unfortunately, did not have Dawson himself. But it didn’t mean fans had to wait for their lives to be over to see their favs from Capeside together once again. James Van Der Beek shared that he would no longer be able to attend the live reading of the pilot episode, as he explained that he is sick with “two stomach viruses” on Instagram. However, he was not willing to throw away his shot at making the reunion happen and found someone young, scrappy, and hungry to play the lead for the evening. “A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available). Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me…” Van Der Beek wrote. His children, who were at the event, really made the most of it as they sang the show’s theme song with Miranda on stage alongside the rest of the cast, including Miranda. And for all the Jacey shippers, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes did hold hands during the sing-along — after all, they are co-stars once again.
In partnership with F Cancer and in support of Van Der Beek (who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024), the live reading of the pilot episode marks the first time the cast has reunited since 2003, making Van Der Beek’s absence even more bittersweet. “I can’t believe I’m not there,” Van Der Beek shared in a video played before the show, per US Weekly. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my castmates, my beautiful cast, in person, and I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who donated their time and has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You’re the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
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