The Capeside Confidential: 7 Shocking New Projects & Major 2025 Updates For The Cast Of Dawson's Creek

The nostalgic world of Capeside is making unexpected headlines in late 2025, over two decades after the iconic teen drama *Dawson's Creek* concluded its run. While the show remains a cultural touchstone for a generation, the lives and careers of its core cast—James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams—have evolved dramatically, leading to Oscar nominations, major TV roles, and even a highly anticipated on-screen reunion. This article dives into the freshest, most current updates, including a major film collaboration and the personal battles one star is bravely facing, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information as of December 2025. The latest news dominating the entertainment world is the professional reunion of two of the show's most beloved stars, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson. Their new project, combined with the other cast members' recent successes in film, television, and on stage, proves that the legacy of *Dawson's Creek* is not just a memory, but a springboard for ongoing, high-profile careers in Hollywood.

The Core Four and Capeside's Extended Family: Full Cast Profiles

The primary cast of *Dawson's Creek* has achieved remarkable success, cementing their status as Hollywood veterans. Here is a quick look at the main players and their essential biographical details:

• James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery)
  • Full Name: James David Van Der Beek
  • Born: March 8, 1977 (Age 48 in 2025)
  • Birth Place: Cheshire, Connecticut, USA
  • Role on DC: The hopelessly romantic, aspiring filmmaker and title character.
• Katie Holmes (Joey Potter)
  • Full Name: Kate Noelle Holmes
  • Born: December 18, 1978 (Age 47 in 2025)
  • Birth Place: Toledo, Ohio, USA
  • Role on DC: The smart, witty, and loyal girl-next-door.
• Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter)
  • Full Name: Joshua Carter Jackson
  • Born: June 11, 1978 (Age 47 in 2025)
  • Birth Place: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Role on DC: The charming, witty underdog who became a fan favorite.
• Michelle Williams (Jen Lindley)
  • Full Name: Michelle Ingrid Williams
  • Born: September 9, 1980 (Age 45 in 2025)
  • Birth Place: Kalispell, Montana, USA
  • Role on DC: The edgy, sophisticated New York transplant with a troubled past.
• Busy Philipps (Audrey Liddell)
  • Full Name: Elizabeth Jean Philipps
  • Born: June 25, 1979 (Age 46 in 2025)
  • Birth Place: Oak Park, Illinois, USA
  • Role on DC: Joey's college roommate and eventual series regular.
• Kerr Smith (Jack McPhee)
  • Role on DC: The resident heartthrob who made TV history as one of the first gay characters to share a kiss on network television.
• Mary Beth Peil (Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan)
  • Role on DC: Jen's conservative but loving grandmother.

The Shocking Professional Reunion of Joey and Pacey in 2025

The biggest news in the *Dawson's Creek* universe is the professional collaboration between former on-screen and real-life couple, Katie Holmes (Joey Potter) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter). After years of individual successes, the duo is reuniting for a new project that has fans buzzing about the enduring chemistry of the Pacey and Joey pairing. The project is a film trilogy titled *Happy Hours*, which Katie Holmes is pulling triple duty on as the writer, director, and star. Joshua Jackson is slated to co-star in the dramedy, which chronicles the lives of a couple. The two were spotted filming in New York City in late 2025, confirming the project is actively underway. This reunion is significant not only for the nostalgia factor but also because it is the first major collaboration between the two since the series finale in 2003. It highlights Holmes's evolving career as a multi-hyphenate filmmaker and Jackson's continued success in high-profile television roles like *Doctor Odyssey*, which ran into 2025. The anticipation for *Happy Hours* is a testament to the powerful, enduring connection fans have with the Joey and Pacey love story.

Michelle Williams' Oscar-Worthy Trajectory Continues Strong in 2025–2026

Michelle Williams, who played the tragic but beloved Jen Lindley, has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actresses, with four Oscar nominations to her name. Her career shows no signs of slowing down, with several high-profile projects dominating her 2025–2026 schedule. In 2025, Williams earned significant critical praise and another Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her starring role as Molly Kochan in the dramedy miniseries *Dying for Sex*. This role further demonstrates her ability to tackle complex, emotionally layered characters. Beyond the screen, Williams is returning to the stage. She is set to star in the title role of *Anna Christie* off-Broadway at St. Ann's Warehouse, with performances scheduled from November 2025 to February 2026. This theatrical commitment showcases her dedication to diverse acting mediums. Additionally, she was recently seen filming a new movie titled *A Place in Hell* in New York City, ensuring her presence in major film projects remains consistent.

James Van Der Beek's Health Battle and New Career Chapter

James Van Der Beek, the man who brought the earnest Dawson Leery to life, has been very open with fans about his personal life, including his move to Texas and the health challenges he has faced. In late 2024, Van Der Beek shared that he was battling cancer, a struggle he has continued to address openly in 2025. To help support his ongoing cancer treatment and his family, he has been auctioning off iconic memorabilia from his career, including items from *Dawson's Creek* and *Varsity Blues*. Despite this personal challenge, Van Der Beek is making a triumphant return to major on-screen roles. He has confirmed he will be joining the cast of a *Legally Blonde* prequel series, marking a significant new chapter in his television career. He also attended the Los Angeles premiere of the Prime Video series *Overcompensating* in May 2025, showing his continued presence in the Hollywood scene. His professional return while managing a serious health issue has been an inspiration to many of his longtime fans.

Updates on the Extended Capeside Ensemble

The supporting cast members, who provided the emotional depth and diverse perspectives to the Capeside narrative, are also making notable moves in 2025.

Kerr Smith (Jack McPhee)

Kerr Smith, who played the groundbreaking character Jack McPhee, is channeling his *Dawson's Creek* experience into a new literary project. Smith is currently writing a book about his time on the show, which is tentatively titled *I Don't Want to Wait: My Journey on Dawson's Creek Without a Paddle*. The memoir, scheduled for release in late 2026, promises a deep dive into the show's years and the legacy of his character, who was central to one of the first same-sex kisses on American network television.

Busy Philipps (Audrey Liddell)

Known for her candid nature and vibrant personality, Busy Philipps continues to thrive in the world of media and talk shows. In 2025, Philipps launched a new late-night talk show on the QVC+ and HSN+ streaming platform called *Busy This Week*. This move follows her successful run as the host of *Busy Tonight* on E! and showcases her continued ability to connect with audiences in the talk show format. She also maintains her popular podcast, *Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best*.

Mary Beth Peil (Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan)

Mary Beth Peil, who played the matriarch 'Grams,' is a celebrated figure in the theatre world. In 2025, she demonstrated her commitment to the stage by being cast in the Off-Broadway play *The Reservoir*, which is slated to run in late 2025. Her involvement in this production, along with a performance in *Anastasia: The Musical in Concert* in February 2025, highlights her enduring and active career in New York theater.

Meredith Monroe (Andie McPhee)

Meredith Monroe, known for her powerful portrayal of Andie McPhee, has maintained a steady career in television and film, often appearing in guest roles on popular procedural dramas. While no single major project has dominated her 2025 press cycle, she has been focused on her personal life, including raising her family. Her post-*Dawson's Creek* career has been marked by a transition to more mature and diverse roles, showing her range far beyond the high school drama of Capeside. The continuing relevance and success of the *Dawson's Creek* cast, from major film reunions to Emmy nominations and new literary ventures, proves that the talent that defined a generation of teen drama is still making a significant impact on the entertainment industry today. The upcoming year promises even more from this iconic ensemble, especially with the highly anticipated Holmes-Jackson collaboration on the horizon.