James Van Der Beek Had Plan for Dawson’s Creek Revival Before Death

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James Van Der Beek hoped for one more visit to the creek.

Following the recent death of actor Michael James, who had fought colorectal cancer for three years, the creator of Dawson’s Creek, Kevin Williamson, revealed that James had been hoping to revisit his role as Dawson Leery in a potential new series.

Kevin recently told Esquire that he and James discussed bringing back Dawson’s Creek on multiple occasions. James was enthusiastic about the idea, and at one point, he was even planning to write a reboot with what Kevin described as a fantastic concept.

Although Dawson’s Creek – featuring Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson – concluded in 2003 with a jump forward in time to provide a sense of completion, the writer of Scream explained that This Is Us gave James the idea to revisit Capeside.

Kevin said the person had a great idea, but then they started appearing on a TV show and things got hectic. As a result, the idea never came to fruition, though there was a lot of discussion about it at the time.

The creator only decided to come back to the famous teen show because James suggested it.

Kevin confessed he’d always been hesitant. He explained that he’d thought, ‘We already took care of that, and it’s done,’ so he didn’t want to revisit it.

The creator of The Vampire Diaries said the series finale felt like a reboot, and they were happy with that outcome.

Despite how much he cared for the people and places he left behind, Kevin said he doesn’t have a desire to return to that life.

Despite everything, he still happily remembers his time on Dawson’s Creek when thinking about his friend James, who sadly passed away on February 11th at the age of 48.

“He was Dawson,” Kevin stressed to Esquire. “He was always questioning every script!”

Looking back on how well the show did, he explained that it wouldn’t have been a success without finding James to play the main role.

You know, I’ll never forget when James Van Der Beek first auditioned for Dawson. Honestly, the network wasn’t immediately convinced he was right for the role. But I was floored! I remember thinking, ‘Seriously? He is Dawson! You guys, trust me on this one!’ I just knew he had that special something.

Although he didn’t appear on the show again, he and the actress from Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 stayed close until his passing. Kevin often mentioned James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, as the reason their friendship endured.

“Kimberly was wonderful about that,” he shared. “She was very in touch.”

For more of James’ loved ones who shared kind words about him following his death, keep reading…

The creator of Dawson’s Creek shared a heartfelt message to Kimberly Van Der Beek on February 12th via Instagram, writing, ‘With much love, we are here for you. Your Dawson’s Creek family will always be here for you and your beautiful family.’ He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, saying he was deeply touched by the kindness shown. He explained he struggled to find the words to fully capture the impact James Van Der Beek had on his life, and that he needed time to process his grief. Right now, he shared, his thoughts are entirely with Kimberly and her family, and he sends his love and support.

Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th, thanking him. She wrote that sharing creative experiences with him felt special – like they were both safe to express themselves and explore ideas together. She fondly remembered their laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs during their time together as young actors.

She described him as someone who truly cherished life, seeing it as a beautiful creation, like a work of art – reflected in his wonderful marriage and their six children. She said his life felt like an epic journey, and while she deeply mourns his passing, she’s also incredibly grateful for the lasting impact he had on her life.

James’ ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.

James was a truly radiant person, full of love, kindness, and a genuine connection to his faith. He was incredibly talented, funny, and thoughtful, always striving to learn and grow, and never afraid to challenge himself.

She shared, “James was a wonderful father and completely devoted to Kimberly. They were truly meant for each other. I’ll always be inspired by the grace and support Kimberly showed him.”

I usually know what to say, but I’m truly speechless today,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were a remarkably strong and graceful fighter, battling so hard despite everything. I’ll always love and admire your courage and dignity.

She said those recent conversations – just a few days ago – will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the Dawson’s Creek community respect their need for quiet at this time, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy.

Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, saying, “Really hard news today.” She expressed her love for James, who she worked with on the show Don’t Trust the B In Apartment 23, where he played a comedic version of himself, and added, “Love you so much James and fake James.”

The fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James, affectionately known as Uncle James to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his constant support, and his willingness to go above and beyond. They fondly remembered how he came to their aid during a difficult time, like when their dog passed away, and how he and Kimberly were the first to celebrate the birth of their children, truly becoming a part of their family’s special moments.

It was such a privilege to know you and be your best friend,” she said. “There will always be a hole in our hearts, but we promise to love and support your wonderful family. We’ll remember you by celebrating life and joy, just as you always did. We love you and will never forget you.

James’s Dawson’s Creek colleague shared how thankful they were to have considered him a brother, adding that they will miss him very much and wishing him peace.

She shared with Entertainment Tonight in March 2026 that she often thinks about him and his family.

Busy, a colleague of James from Dawson’s Creek, shared a heartfelt message expressing her sadness for everyone affected by his passing. She specifically mentioned those who knew and loved him, admired his work, and supported him through his illness, especially his family – his parents, brother, and sister. Her deepest sympathy, however, was for James’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

She shared that James Van Der Beek was a truly exceptional person who will be deeply missed. She expressed immense sadness, saying she loved him and cherished their friendship over the years, and didn’t know what else to say to express her grief.

“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”

The star and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him “A legend in every way.”

The Dancing With the Stars professional shared a heartfelt message, calling the deceased a wonderful father, husband, artist, and a truly special person. They expressed deep sympathy and sent their love and support to his family.

The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience, describing him as one of the most kind, wise, and generous actors he’s ever collaborated with. He celebrated James’s lasting impact and sent his condolences.

 

It was so heartbreaking to hear about the passing of the Dawson’s Creek star. As someone who also experienced the joys and bonds of a long-running show family – I was part of the Hamilton cast reunion in 2025 – my heart immediately went out to James Van Der Beek and his family. I shared a photo from our reunion on my Instagram, just wanting to send them all my love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

 

A representative for the director of Tick, Tick…BOOM! shared a message of condolence with “his many friends and family,” telling TopMob News that he approached his illness with his usual kindness and wit, and that his work likely helped others. The representative added they were honored to have been his stand-in at the Dawson’s Creek reunion and cherished their friendship, saying they will miss him deeply.

She shared on Instagram that he demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s plan, even through immense heartbreak, particularly because of it.

We sat and watched the sunset together recently, and you shared such thoughtful things – your dreams, your hopes, and the promises we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things can feel sometimes, and how maybe you’re needed in heaven to bring some peace to the world. Right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky, like a sign that everything happens for a reason.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram that this was a heartbreaking loss, describing the person as a beautiful soul. She sent her condolences and prayers to the family, offering support during this difficult time, and letting them know others are there for them.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken, and sent “love, light & strength” to Kimberly Van Der Berg.

The actress expressed her deep sadness, sending love and support to Kimberly and her children during this difficult time.

She remembered him as a genuinely kind person whose love for his family was clear to everyone. He was well-loved, and she offered her deepest sympathy to his family, whom he cherished.

She began, speaking directly to him, “Anyone who knew you was truly lucky, and you’ve left a lasting impact on all of us. You were a deeply wonderful person, with a remarkable love for your family. The bond you shared with Kimberly was something special, like it went beyond this life. You were, and always will be, the wisest person I’ve ever known, and I’ll always cherish the advice and life lessons you shared with me.”

She went on, saying she couldn’t even begin to describe how beautifully he wrote. His words reminded everyone what it felt like to experience genuine kindness and warmth in literature. She expressed her immense love for James, and how deeply his loss was felt, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely linger forever.

Oh, Kimberly, my heart just goes out to you and those precious little ones! As someone who’s seen a lot of relationships, I can honestly say you and James are a true inspiration – the most beautiful example of love I’ve ever witnessed. Please know I’m sending you all my love and support, and I’ll be there for you, always.

She shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Vanderbeek. She remembered him as a kind person, a devoted father, and a talented actor, fondly recalling him as her first on-screen kiss during his appearance on ‘Clarissa Explains It All’.

She shared that he passed away far too young, but fought bravely. They met around two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a supportive father. She’s sending her deepest sympathy to his wife, six children, and the rest of his family.

I’m absolutely heartbroken! James was like family to me, seriously. We were on Dancing with the Stars together, season 28, and I just… I loved working with him so much. I got to say goodbye, and it was the hardest thing, but I want everyone to know what an incredible person he was. He should be so proud of everything he accomplished, and I’m just so grateful I got to know him. I’ll always love you, James!

“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”

She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “This is absolutely heartbreaking news. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, and I’m sending my best wishes to everyone.”

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James is now at peace and surrounded by love in Heaven. Paul also said his family will be praying for the Van Der Beeks and that they plan to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his work and for being a kind person.

The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”

She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit, and sent her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The One Tree Hill actor shared their condolences, writing, “Sending all our love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredibly impactful person, saying, “James was a truly remarkable man, and we are heartbroken for everything you’re going through. His creativity, kindness, and words inspired us all to strive to be better. We’re sending blessings your way.”

As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”

She shared a heartfelt message, saying she loved her friends and was thinking of them after hearing about James’s death. She expressed how fortunate she was to have them in her life for so many years, and admired James as a wonderful husband, father, and brother figure to her. She was deeply grateful to have seen the love, respect, and care they all shared.

She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”

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2026-03-02 18:48