The Dawson’s Creek cast “didn’t want to wait” any longer to reunite. The event was set up by Williams to support James Van Der Beek, who played the titular role of Dawson Leery for all six seasons, and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024. He went on to share his gratitude for his Dawson’s Creek co-stars and all of the fans who attended. “I can't believe I don't get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person. “You were a hero to my kids before,” Van Der Beek wrote on Instagram.