Dawson’s Creek Cast Reunion Features Spielberg, Raises Cancer Funds

The "Dawson's Creek" reunion held on September 22, 2025, at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre featured most of the original cast performing a live reading of the show's 1998 pilot episode to raise funds for F Cancer and James Van Der Beek, who is battling colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek was unable to attend due to illness but participated through two heartfelt video messages expressing his disappointment and connecting the show's themes to unrequited love, followed by his introduction of Lin-Manuel Miranda as an understudy stepping in for him. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is a close family friend, took on the role of Dawson Leery for the event, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and highlighting the deep camaraderie among the cast. A surprise video appearance by Steven Spielberg, whose work inspired the show’s lead character, added an emotional and nostalgic layer to the evening, praising the show's cultural impact and the charity cause. The event concluded with the cast, Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly, and their children joining on stage to sing the iconic theme song, "I Don't Want to Wait," creating a poignant and celebratory atmosphere. This reunion was largely orchestrated by Michelle Williams and served both as a tribute and a fundraiser, reflecting the enduring legacy and fan devotion to the series.