Van Der Beek misses Dawson's Creek reunion amid cancer battle as Lin-Manuel Miranda steps in

James Van Der Beek has pulled out of a Dawson's Creek reunion for a charity event as he continues treatment for colorectal cancer. The actor, who played Dawson Leery on the 1990s-early 2000s series, was slated to read the pilot with the show's original cast on Sept. 22. In an Instagram post, Van Der Beek said two stomach viruses left him unable to travel or perform, and he noted he was “gutted” to miss what he described as a moment his former castmates had been planning for months while he fights cancer.

Lin-Manuel Miranda will replace Van Der Beek in the reunion, Van Der Beek announced. He described Miranda as “a ridiculously overqualified replacement” and suggested that Miranda would be an upgrade even to his own kids, quipping that the role of Dawson—normally played by Van Der Beek—“will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda.” The actor joked that Miranda already knows how to get to the theater, adding that this is a moment he never expected to type. The event remains a charity read-through with Miranda stepping in to honor the fundraiser and the show’s legacy.

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, a battle the actor has discussed publicly only in recent months. He did not reveal his illness to the public for about a year, later telling Healthline that there were no obvious red flags when his cancer began. “I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge,” he said, noting he had no idea he was dealing with cancer and that he had surpassed the age at which screenings are commonly recommended. He added that he didn’t realize screenings had dropped to age 45, saying the moment underscored how screening guidelines can influence early detection.

The health story surrounding Van Der Beek has continued to unfold in recent interviews. He told Extra in March that he is in a healing phase and felt hopeful about progress against the disease. The actor and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, have six children, a factor that has informed his ongoing decisions about public appearances and treatment.

The other Dawson’s Creek stars—Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes—have been referenced in coverage of the reunion as part of the show’s enduring legacy. Williams, who spearheaded the reunion planning, has repeatedly recalled how the project came together, highlighting both the nostalgia for the series and the charitable aim behind the event. The Sept. 22 read-through was billed as a fundraising moment for a cause connected to the show's alumni.

As the reunion effort advances with Miranda in the Dawson role, fans and fellow cast members have continued to send support to Van Der Beek as he completes treatment. The exchange underlines how the Dawson’s Creek family has balanced personal health journeys with public commitments to fans and charity.

The saga also recalls Van Der Beek’s broader media presence since his cancer diagnosis. After competing as Griffin on The Masked Singer, he described his current phase as healing and highlighted the ongoing nature of his treatment. He has emphasized the importance of screenings and health awareness, sharing his experience to encourage others to be vigilant about their health.

In a separate health-focused interview, Van Der Beek reflected on the realities of cancer recovery, underscoring that battles like his can unfold over time and that maintaining family life amid treatment is a central concern. His public updates have been framed with gratitude toward supporters and his family as he navigates monitoring scans, therapies, and the overall recovery process.