Honestly, the idea of a Dawson’s Creek reboot feels like that one ex you can’t stop checking up on. You know it’s probably a bad idea to go back, but the nostalgia is a hell of a drug. We live in an era where every single piece of intellectual property from the '90s is being dug up, dusted off, and given a TikTok-friendly makeover. So, why haven't we returned to Capeside yet?
The short answer? It’s complicated.
Between the original cast's hesitance and a devastating real-life health battle for James Van Der Beek, the path to a revival has never looked more blocked. Yet, somehow, the chatter never actually dies down. Whether it’s Kevin Williamson dropping hints about "reinventions" or the cast reuniting for charity, the "Creek" is always rippling.
The 2025 Reunion That Changed Everything
In September 2025, fans finally got the closest thing to a Dawson’s Creek reboot they’ve had in twenty years. It wasn't a new season on Max or a movie. It was a live reading of the pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.
The event was organized to benefit "F—k Cancer" and James Van Der Beek, who publicly shared his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2024. Seeing the gang back together—Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps—was emotional, to say the least.
Lin-Manuel Miranda actually stood in for James Van Der Beek to read the role of Dawson Leery. James had to skip the live event due to a stomach virus, though he sent a deeply moving video message.
It was a bittersweet night. On one hand, the chemistry was still there. On the other, it served as a stark reminder that these actors have moved so far beyond the creek. Michelle Williams is a multiple-time Oscar nominee. Katie Holmes is directing indie films. Joshua Jackson is a prestige TV staple. The "teenagers" who spoke like university professors are now parents and industry veterans.
Why Katie Holmes Is Saying "No" (For Now)
If you're waiting for Katie Holmes to sign a contract to play Joey Potter again, don't hold your breath. She’s been the most vocal about why a traditional Dawson’s Creek reboot might actually ruin the legacy.
In several interviews leading into 2026, Holmes has pointed out that the show was a "time capsule." It existed in a pre-smartphone world. The characters actually had to talk to each other. They walked over to each other's houses and climbed through windows because they couldn't just send a "U up?" text.
"There was an innocence that was there between the characters," Holmes told Variety. "To put it into the setting of today’s world, I’m not sure."
Basically, Joey Potter with an Instagram account just feels... wrong. The show's charm was its wordy, overly-intellectual sincerity. In 2026, that kind of earnestness often gets memed into oblivion within hours of a premiere.
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The Pacey Problem: Joshua Jackson’s Stance
Joshua Jackson is just as skeptical. He famously quipped that nobody needs to hear "Pacey grunting when he gets out of a chair."
He’s not wrong. Part of the magic of the show was the transition from childhood to adulthood. If they come back now, they're just... adults. The stakes change. Instead of "who will Joey choose?" the plot lines would be about mortgage rates, divorce papers, and whose turn it is to drive the kids to soccer practice.
Interestingly, Jackson recently called out some of his own character’s old storylines. At the GLAAD Media Awards in 2025, he admitted he never understood why Pacey became a stockbroker in the final season. "I don’t think we needed 'goatee Pacey,'" he joked. If even the actors think the original show went off the rails toward the end, they’re understandably protective of how a reboot might handle their characters now.
Is a "Reinvention" Actually Happening?
While a direct sequel series with the original cast seems unlikely, Kevin Williamson has floated the idea of a "reinvention."
Think of it like the Gossip Girl or 90210 reboots—new kids, new problems, but set in the same iconic location. There have been rumors about a series focusing on the "next generation."
The Potential Plot Hooks:
- Amy Lindley: Jen’s daughter would be about 18 or 19 now. A show centered on her returning to Capeside to find her roots? That has legs.
- Alexander and Lily: The children of the original trio are now the same age their parents were when the show started.
- The Meta Approach: One popular fan theory is that Dawson Leery, now a big-shot producer, returns to Capeside to film a movie about his life.
The "Happy Hours" project is also worth watching. In late 2025, news broke that Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are reuniting for a film trilogy she is writing and directing. While it isn't a Dawson’s Creek reboot, it features the two stars as "young loves who reconnect as adults." For fans, it’s the spiritual successor they’ve been begging for.
The Real-Life Factor: James Van Der Beek’s Journey
We can’t talk about the future of the franchise without acknowledging James Van Der Beek’s health. As of January 2026, James has been incredibly transparent about his "place of healing." He’s been sharing updates on Instagram, emphasizing rest and "natural rhythms."
In a world where fans demand constant content, James is a reminder that these are real people with real lives. Any official Dawson’s Creek reboot would feel hollow without him, and right now, his priority is his family and his recovery. He’s mentioned being "cautiously optimistic" and having a lot to live for.
If a reboot ever does happen, it would likely be shaped by this new perspective. The show was always about life, death, and the messy bits in between.
What You Should Do Instead of Waiting
If you're craving that Capeside feeling, stop refreshing news feeds for a reboot announcement. It’s not coming this year.
Instead, lean into the projects the cast is doing. Watch Katie Holmes' directorial work like Rare Objects. Follow Joshua Jackson’s move into more complex, darker roles. And honestly? Go back to the beginning. The original six seasons are streaming, and thanks to some licensing wins, many platforms have finally restored the original Paula Cole theme song.
Your Next Steps:
- Revisit the Pilot: Watch it again with the knowledge of where these actors are now. It hits differently.
- Support the Cause: If you want to honor the "Creek" legacy, consider donating to colorectal cancer research in James Van Der Beek's name.
- Watch "Happy Hours": Keep an eye out for the Holmes/Jackson film trilogy. It’s the closest you’re going to get to Pacey and Joey in 2026.
The Creek may be still for now, but in the world of TV, never say never. It just might not look like the show you remember.