Late actor James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 after a battle with colorectal most cancers, discovered mainstream success after being forged as Dawson Leery within the beloved WB present, Dawson’s Creek.
All through the present’s six-season run, Joey Potter, performed by Katie Holmes, had romances with each Dawson, her childhood greatest pal, and Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson). In a panel on the Metal Metropolis Con in April 2025, Van Der Beek was requested how he felt about Joey ending up with Pacey within the collection finale, which premiered in 2003.
Van Der Beek replied that he does not have an issue with Joey selecting Pacey as a substitute of Dawson, which upset some Dawson’s Creek followers.
“I get requested this on a regular basis and the reply is all the time disappointing for individuals. As a result of as an actor I assumed it made sense, you understand what I imply?” stated Van Der Beek on the panel.
He defined that he “wasn’t invested as a fan when it comes to like crew Dawson or crew Pacey,” so he was trying on the love triangle when it comes to total story.
“I assumed it made sense and everyone’s all the time upset once I say that as a result of I did not actually have that robust of an opinion on it. However yeah, I assumed it made sense,” stated Van Der Beek.
James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson Spoke About Their ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Characters’ Love Lives in 2018
In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Dawson’s Creek, the forged spoke to Folks journal in regards to the collection in 2018. Whereas chatting with the publication, Van Der Beek stated that Joey ending up with Pacey “made extra sense” than if she had been with Dawson.
Jackson additionally stated that he preferred Pacey and Joey’s ending.
“Sure after all I did. My vainness is aware of no bounds,” quipped Jackson within the 2018 interview.
In the meantime, Holmes stated she had issue selecting between Dawson and Pacey for Joey.
“That is a tough one,” stated Holmes whereas chatting with Folks.
She then stated that she was “glad” the present’s creator, Kevin Williamson, “needed to make the choice” and never her.
