Cancer, custody battles and bitter divorces: The cast of Dawson's Creek in 2025.

Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson just gave Dawson's Creek fans a massive thrill — not with a reboot (sadly), but with a brand-new film trilogy called Happy Hours that's filming right now in New York City. And we'll take it!

The pair, who famously played Joey and Pacey (and dated briefly during the show's run), have reunited after more than 20 years — this time as on-screen love interests navigating the messy realities of career, family, and romance. Holmes isn't just starring… she's also writing and directing the trilogy.

Watch the trailer for Dawson's Creek. Article continues after video.

On set, Holmes and Jackson have already set hearts fluttering, their chemistry still zinging after all these years. It's not a Dawson's reboot, but for fans, it might be even better: the pair, plus a killer supporting cast (including Mary-Louise Parker and Constance Wu), weaving new stories that echo the bittersweet wit and heart of their Capeside heyday.

As for the rest of the Creek crew, life after the iconic show has taken everyone in fascinating directions. There’s been a brief encounter with a cult, the tragic death of an ex taken way too young, and the most unlikely TV comeback.

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Here’s what the kids from Dawson’s Creek have been up to in the last two decades.

James Van Der Beek AKA Dawson Leery.

He then out Van Der Beek-ed himself, landing a role playing himself in the much underrated Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. Image via Netflix and Stan.

For a long time after Dawson's Creek things were quiet for the Beek.

But then he landed some guest roles on How I Met Your Mother and a Kesha music video and everyone remembered the legend that was Dawson Leery.

He then out Van Der Beek-ed himself, landing a role playing himself in the very underrated sitcom Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23, which made for bloody glorious TV.

The now-48-year-old married business consult and producer Kimberly Brook in August 2010. The couple have five children together — 14-year-old Olivia, 12-year-old Joshua, 10-year-old Annabel Leah, eight-year-old Emilia and Gwendolyn, who is six.

Read more: Five children and four miscarriages: Inside James Van Der Beek's family life.

In November last year, Van Der Beek shared publicly that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

"There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good," he told People.

Despite this turn, he remains one of the most engaging figures from the Dawson's Creek crew, sharing his journey with openness that's inspired a new wave of support from fans and former costars alike.

Katie Holmes AKA Joey Potter.

Image via Getty.

Oh Joey.

After starring in the teen drama, Katie Holmes went on to have roles in a range of movies, including Batman Begins, First Daughter and Thank You for Smoking.

She then married Tom Cruise which resulted in him jumping on Oprah's couch, her narrowly escaping an international cult, and a very messy and public divorce.

Since the divorce, Holmes has gotten back into the movie biz, appearing in films like Logan Lucky, Jack and Jill, and The Giver. She's also had recurring roles in the TV series The Kennedys and Ray Donovan.

She also dated Jamie Foxx on the down low from August 2013 until August 2019.

Now, with her daughter Suri grown up and in college, Holmes is more than just reliving her acting heyday — she's redefining it, jumping into new projects (like Happy Hours) and flexing her skills as a writer, director and actor.

Joshua Jackson AKA Pacey Witter.

Image: Getty

Be still our beating hearts, Pacey Witter is in the creek house.

Pacey was the bad boy of the creek and the kind of teen heartthrob every girl wanted to be the one to change.

Since Dawson's Creek, Joshua Jackson has continued to be both ridiculously good-looking and talented.

He spent years working on the J.J Abrams sci-fi series Fringe, before taking on roles in The Affair and Little Fires Everywhere.

In 2016, he broke up with his long-time girlfriend, Diane Kruger. Women around the world were simultaneously heartbroken but also just a lil' hopeful that it could finally be their chance. He then went on to marry British model Jodie Turner-Smith in mid-2019, before splitting in 2023. The two share a daughter together.

In 2025, Jackson also starred in several projects like Doctor Odyssey and Karate Kid: Legends.

Michelle Williams AKA Jen Lindley.

Image: Getty

Michelle Williams is probably the most successful of the Creek alum.

She has been nominated for five Academy Awards for her roles in Brokeback Mountain, My Week With Marilyn, Blue Valentine, Manchester by the Sea, and most recently, The Fabelmans.

She's also starred in The Greatest Showman, All The Money in the World, and Venom, and in 2025, Williams took on the part of Molly Kochan in Dying for Sex.

Based on a real podcast — and a true story — Dying for Sex follows a woman using her terminal cancer diagnosis as a catalyst for self-discovery, sexual adventure, and radical honesty with friends. Williams' performance just earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Talk about an icon.

But Williams' life hasn't been without its tragedy. In 2008, her ex Heath Ledger died from an accidental drug overdose. Williams was left to raise their daughter, Matilda, on her own.

Busy Philipps AKA Audrey Liddell.

Image: Getty

Since her time on Dawson's Creek, Busy Philipps has appeared on Freaks and Geeks, Cougar Town, He's Just Not That Into You and Made of Honour.

In 2024, Philipps slipped into the glamorous (and slightly terrifying) heels of Regina George's mum in the musical remake of Mean Girls. Off-screen, Philipps is a mother to two daughters, Cricket and Birdie, whom she shares with her ex-husband, screenwriter Marc Silverstein.

Philipps went onto host Busy Tonight, a late-night talk show on E! that, despite its one-season run, earned a devoted following for its candid, feminist approach in a male-dominated genre. In 2024, she launched Busy This Week on QVC+, a chatty, interview-driven series that mixes celebrity guests, personal stories, and daily living tips—sometimes with a shopping-friendly twist.

In good news for Dawson's Creek fans, she has also remained besties with co-star, Michelle Williams.

Philipps is also possibly the best thing on Instagram right now.

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Feature Image: Getty.