James Van Der Beek is going to miss the Dawson's Creek reunion reading at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. Van Der Beek, 48, has been batting colorectal cancer since 2023. Dawson's Creek alums Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson will read the pilot script at the event Monday. Hamilton creator and original star Lin-Manuel Miranda will fill in for Van Der Beek. The role of Dawson, usually played by James Van Der Beek will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda.