James Van Der Beek reveals why the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ cast ‘didn’t speak for years’

You won’t want to wait to find out where the “Dawson’s Creek” cast stands now.

James Van Der Beek revealed that he and the other stars of the teen drama have reunited after not speaking for years following the end of the WB series.

“Dawson’s Creek” aired from 1998 to 2003 and featured Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery, Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter), Katie Holmes (Joey Potter) and Michelle Williams (Jen Lindley).

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“I’ve gotten in touch with them recently and it’s just been so nice,” he admitted while on Thursday’s episode of Jana Kramer‘s “Whine Down” podcast.

Although Van Der Beek didn’t name who he reconnected with specifically, he shared that reuniting has been a gift.

“It’s just been so great to talk to them and catch up with like who they are now this many years out and to have that shared experience from back in the day,” expressed the actor, who is currently battling cancer. “It’s just so lovely every time I get to catch up with one of them.”

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“We all went our separate ways and just didn’t speak for years because we were just living our lives and doing our things,” Van Der Beek shared. “And to just kind of reconnect and be like, ‘Oh, wow, I love who you’ve become.’”

The beloved ’90s series became a cult classic. Fans were hooked for six seasons following Joey as she navigated school after the death of her mother and juggled a love triangle with Dawson and best friend Pacey.

For a while, Van Der Beek wanted to move away from the show and pave his own career, but these days, he doesn’t mind reminiscing.

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“I have such a nostalgia for it,” he gushed. I don’t know whether it’s just time or what, but yeah.”

Spoiler alert: Kramer inquired if Van Der Beek is “upset” that Joey ended up with Pacey instead of Dawson.

“That question I hate,” Van Der Beek confessed. “Because honestly as an actor, I didn’t really have that big of an opinion on it. And everybody wants me to come down on one side.”

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Van Der Beek noted that he still appreciated “that people are invested” in the storyline.

Jackson, meanwhile, was quick to pick a side — sharing his approval for Pacey’s happily ever after.

“I am the advocate!” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2022. “I had a whole conversation with [series creator] Kevin [Williamson] about this. Like ‘Look, I get it. This is the idea that you had in your head [to have Dawson and Joey end up together], but I’m just gonna ask you to watch the tale of the tape and this is the more interesting end for these characters.’”

Years after the show ended, Van Der Beek tied the knot with his wife Kimberly in 2010 after divorcing Heather McComb. He and Kimberly went on to welcome daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.

In November, the “Varsity Blues” alum revealed he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

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“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People after opening up about his health struggles.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” Van Der Beek added.