Cue the Creek tears—James Van Der Beek had to miss a dream reunion. The 48-year-old actor, forever remembered as earnest teen heartthrob Dawson Leery, was set to join his Dawson’s Creek castmates for a one-night-only live reading of the show’s pilot episode on Monday (September 22). The event doubled as a fundraiser for James’ cancer-related charity work and his own cancer journey, making his absence all the more heartbreaking. A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available)… The role of ‘Dawson,’ usually played by James Van Der Beek… Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can’t believe I just got to type that.”James closed by thanking the Hamilton creator:“Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room.