The long-awaited Dawson’s Creek cast reunion is finally happening, but with a surprising twist. Tonight at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, the stars of the beloved teen drama will gather for a special charity event — the first time since the series ended in 2003.
However, one major face will be missing: James Van Der Beek, the actor who played Dawson Leery for six seasons (1998–2003).
James Van Der Beek Forced to Miss Reunion
Van Der Beek took to Instagram to share the news with fans, explaining that a stomach virus will keep him from joining the live table read of the show’s 1998 pilot episode.
“This is the night I’ve been looking forward to the most since my angel Michelle Williams started organizing it back in January,” he wrote. “You can imagine how crushed I am that two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out at the worst possible time. Despite every effort, I won’t be there.”
The actor, who revealed last year that he has been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, admitted his disappointment but had a surprise announcement for fans.
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Dawson Leery
Instead of Van Der Beek, the role of Dawson will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the award-winning actor, writer, and composer behind the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton.
With humor, Van Der Beek added:
“But I’ve got a stand-in… an extraordinarily qualified substitute who would’ve been my No. 1 wish-list pick (had I imagined he’d be available). Someone my kids would consider an upgrade over me… Dawson will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I can’t believe I just typed that.”
A Charity Event for F Cancer
The reunion is more than just nostalgia — it’s a fundraiser for the nonprofit F Cancer, which supports cancer prevention and patient care.
Who’s Attending the Dawson’s Creek Reunion
While Van Der Beek will be absent, nearly the entire original cast will be present, including:
Michelle Williams (Jen Lindley)
Katie Holmes (Joey Potter)
Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter)
Mary Beth Peil
John Wesley Shipp
Mary-Margaret Humes
Nina Repeta
Kerr Smith
Meredith Monroe
Busy Philipps
For fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the iconic cast back together, revisiting the story that defined a generation.
