James Van Der Beek withdraws from Dawson's Creek reunion amid cancer fight

James Van Der Beek has withdrawn from the Dawson's Creek cast reunion planned for September 22 in New York City, citing illness during his ongoing battle with stage three colorectal cancer. The 48-year-old actor revealed his cancer diagnosis last year, saying he was privately dealing with the disease while prioritizing rest and treatment. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Van Der Beek said he was “gutted” to miss the reunion after two stomach viruses conspired to keep him grounded at a crucial moment, adding that he would be watching from bed in Austin and beaming with pride for his former co-stars.

His placeholder for the event will be Lin-Manuel Miranda, whom Van Der Beek called a “ridiculously overqualified replacement” who already knows how to get to the theater. The Dawson's Creek Cast Reunion is a charity event described by organizers as a live reading of the show's pilot to benefit the cancer-focused organization F Cancer. The lineup of returnees includes Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.

The reunion, set against the backdrop of Broadway-caliber charity work, is designed to celebrate the beloved teen drama while raising funds and awareness for cancer-related causes. It marks a rare on-stage collaboration among the Dawson's Creek core cast, who helped define a generation of early-2000s television with their web of relationships, loyalties, and evolving identities.

Dawson's Creek originally aired on The WB from 1998 to 2003 and earned a lasting spot in pop culture history. The show received multiple accolades during its run, including a Teen Choice Award in 2000 for TV - Choice Drama. The upcoming live reading brings the cast back together for a performance rather than a traditional reunion, underscoring the project’s charitable aim and its potential to draw renewed attention to the series and its stars.

Van Der Beek first disclosed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, telling People that he had stage three colorectal cancer and that there was reason for optimism, while acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of the treatment journey. He described undergoing a significant lifestyle shift, including a health-focused diet and yoga, and emphasized the support of family and friends as central to his path forward. In July, he spoke publicly on Today about the ongoing process of healing, noting that he was taking things “a little slower” and prioritizing rest as part of the long-term journey.

Earlier this year, on his 48th birthday, Van Der Beek posted a video reflecting on what cancer had taught him. He described confronting mortality and reevaluating personal identity beyond acting, highlighting his roles as husband and father as central to his sense of purpose. He urged fans to pursue medical checks and colonoscopies, explaining that awareness and early detection can alter the course of treatment for those affected. Throughout the public updates, his message remained one of resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to family as he continues treatment and watches from afar as his colleagues carry the reunion event forward.

The Dawson's Creek reunion remains a high-profile gathering for fans and a reminder of the show’s enduring legacy. As cast members prepare to bring the pilot to life for charity, the emphasis is on community support, shared history, and the ongoing fight against cancer. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement as a stand-in underscores the event’s star-powered appeal, while Van Der Beek’s supporters hope his health improves in the months ahead. The September 22 reading in New York City will proceed with the aim of delivering entertainment, nostalgia, and charitable impact in equal measure.