DAWSON’S Creek star James Van Der Beek has bowed out of the reunion due to health issues, but a very qualified understudy took his place.
Fans have been eager to see the cast of the 1990s-2000s drama series reunite on Monday for the special event.
James Van Der Beek cancels Dawson’s Creek reunion appearance at the last minute due to a health issue[/caption]
James’ wife and six children went to represent him at the reunion instead[/caption]
It was announced earlier this year that the gang would be back together for a live table read of the show’s 1998 pilot episode on Broadway in New York City.
Michelle Williams, who played Jen Lindley throughout the show’s five-year run, orchestrated the charity event, which benefits F Cancer and James following his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
However, hours before the gathering, James announced in an Instagram post that he could no longer attend after coming down with “two stomach viruses.”
‘WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT’
“This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January,” the actor wrote.
“So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment. Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there.”
James then shared that he’d solicited another big-name star to replace him: Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“But I DO have an understudy,” the father of six went on. “A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available).
“Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me… Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So that’s convenient.
“The role of ‘Dawson,’ usually played by James Van Der Beek…Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can’t believe I just got to type that,” James added.
Fans were devastated about James’ absence but wished him a swift recovery on social media.
However, the Varsity Blues alum’s family was there on his behalf, including his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Kimberly confirmed their appearance in the comments of James’ post in response to a fan’s remark.
“We are all here! Was important to him we come!!” she wrote.
JAMES’ MESSAGE
James also addressed him not being there during the event, with a sweet video message to fans.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” the TV star began. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person, and I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.
“From the cast to the crew to everybody who donated their time and has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You’re the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
James then turned attention to Lin being there in his place.
“Now, obviously on Dawson’s Creek, I had an understudy. But this is Broadway,” James said, before jokingly referring to the Oscar Award winner as a “new up and comer.”
AN EPIC REUNION
The reunion would have been the first time that all the original members of the Dawson’s Creek cast were together since the show’s end in 2003.
This included Michelle, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
Although Busy, Kerr, and Meredith didn’t join until later seasons, they were heavily involved in the event by reading various roles from the first episode.
The director of the reunion was Jason Moore, who had directed three episodes of the then-WB series.
While Lin has no connection to the show, he has quite an impressive resume as a writer and star of the Broadway production, Hamilton.
He also co-wrote songs for Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and appeared in numerous other well-known programs, such as Tick, Tick…Boom! and Mary Poppins Returns.
James revealed last year that he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer[/caption]
Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in as James’ ‘understudy’ for the reunion special[/caption]
