Two decades after the final scene in Capeside aired, the cast of Dawson's Creek remains one of the most talked-about ensembles in television history. The emotional, verbose teen drama created by Kevin Williamson launched the careers of its four leads into the stratosphere, but their paths in Hollywood—and their personal lives—have diverged in ways fans could never have predicted. As of December 2025, the cast is making headlines with a major on-screen reunion, a heartbreaking health battle, and a tell-all book announcement, proving that the drama of Capeside is never truly over.
The enduring legacy of the show, which explored everything from first love and mental health to coming out, continues to resonate with new generations discovering the series on streaming platforms. From Oscar-nominated prestige pictures to a highly-anticipated Pacey and Joey reunion, here is the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at what the Dawson's Creek cast is doing now.
The Core Four: Biography and Latest Projects (2025)
The heart of Dawson's Creek was always the complicated love triangle and the intense friendship between its four main characters. Here is a look at the actors who brought Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen to life.
- James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery):
- Born: March 8, 1977 (48 years old)
- Character Role: The idealistic, film-obsessed protagonist.
- Latest News (2025): Battling stage 3 colorectal cancer; auctioning memorabilia for medical costs; missed the September 2025 reunion.
- Katie Holmes (Joey Potter):
- Born: December 18, 1978 (46 years old)
- Character Role: The smart, artistic girl-next-door who ends up with Pacey.
- Latest News (2025): Writing, directing, and starring in the film Happy Hours alongside Joshua Jackson.
- Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter):
- Born: June 11, 1978 (47 years old)
- Character Role: The charming, sarcastic underdog who wins Joey's heart.
- Latest News (2025): Co-starring with Katie Holmes in the upcoming film Happy Hours; starring in the series Doctor Odyssey.
- Michelle Williams (Jen Lindley):
- Born: September 9, 1980 (45 years old)
- Character Role: The troubled, sophisticated New Yorker who moves to Capeside.
- Latest News (2025): Starred in the dramedy miniseries Dying for Sex; set to star in the new thriller film A Place in Hell.
The Shocking Pacey and Joey Reunion: Happy Hours
The most electrifying news for Dawson's Creek fans in 2025 is the professional reunion of Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, the iconic duo behind the beloved Pacey and Joey relationship.
The former on-screen—and briefly off-screen—couple were spotted filming a new project in New York City in late 2025.
The film, titled Happy Hours, is a dramedy that sees Holmes take on triple duty: she is the writer, director, and star of the project.
The news is particularly exciting because it marks the first time Holmes and Jackson have worked together since the *Dawson's Creek* finale in 2003.
While the project is completely separate from their Capeside history, the decades of chemistry between the two actors is expected to bring a unique spark to the film, chronicling the lives of a couple.
This reunion has instantly become one of the most anticipated independent films, proving that the fan devotion to the Pacey and Joey dynamic is still potent.
James Van Der Beek’s Health Battle and The Emotional Reunion
While the rest of the main cast was celebrating their enduring bond at a reunion event, James Van Der Beek, the actor who played Dawson Leery, faced a significant personal challenge in 2025.
The actor was recently diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer and has been open about his ongoing treatment.
Due to his medical condition, Van Der Beek was unable to attend the highly-publicized *Dawson's Creek* reunion and table read held in New York in September 2025.
However, he made a surprise video appearance during the event, offering a heartfelt message to his former castmates and the dedicated fans, a moment that was described as incredibly emotional.
In a unique effort to fund his medical costs, Van Der Beek has been auctioning off personal memorabilia from his career, including costume pieces and props from both *Dawson's Creek* and *Varsity Blues*.
This public battle has brought a new level of connection between the actor and his fans, highlighting a serious, real-life drama far removed from the fictional angst of Capeside.
What the Supporting Cast and Other Leads Are Doing Now
The success of the show also propelled the careers of its supporting cast, many of whom have gone on to major projects and personal milestones in 2025.
Michelle Williams: From Teen Angst to Prestige Drama
Michelle Williams, who portrayed the tragically fated Jen Lindley, has solidified her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood, accumulating multiple Oscar nominations since her time on the show.
In 2025, Williams continued her run of critically acclaimed work, starring as Molly Kochan in the dramedy miniseries *Dying for Sex*, a performance that earned her another Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Looking ahead, she is set to star in the new thriller film *A Place in Hell*, showcasing her versatility across different genres.
Kerr Smith’s Memoir and The Legacy of Jack McPhee
Kerr Smith, who played Jack McPhee, a character celebrated for his groundbreaking storyline as one of the first openly gay main characters on network television, is now turning his attention to writing.
In September 2025, Smith announced he is working on a memoir about his experience on *Dawson's Creek*.
The book, tentatively titled *I Don't Want to Wait: My Journey on Dawson's Creek Without a Paddle*, is scheduled for a late 2026 release and promises deep dives into the show's cultural impact and the legacy of his character.
Busy Philipps: The Podcaster and TV Star
Busy Philipps, who played the vivacious Audrey Liddell, remains a highly visible presence in media.
In 2025, Philipps was seen at the Daytime Emmy Awards and continued her work in the podcast and talk show space, appearing on *Busy This Week*.
A major fan-favorite project for the actress is a potential *Girls5eva* movie, a reboot she has publicly stated she would choose to do.
Other Key Capeside Figures
Other familiar faces from Capeside, like Mary Beth Peil (Evelyn "Grams" Ryan) and John Wesley Shipp (Mitch Leery), also participated in the September 2025 reunion, reminding fans of the show's powerful ensemble cast and topical authority.
The enduring popularity of *Dawson's Creek* is a testament to the talent of its cast and the timeless themes explored by creator Kevin Williamson. From the professional reunion of Pacey and Joey to the personal trials and triumphs of the entire ensemble, the Capeside crew continues to captivate and surprise their dedicated audience more than 20 years later.
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