James Van Der Beek misses ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion, Lin-Manuel steps in

TL;DR:

• James Van Der Beek missed the Sept. 22, 2025 reunion due to illness.
  
• He is in treatment after revealing stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024.
  
• Lin-Manuel Miranda read Dawson at the one-night charity event.
  
• Cast members reunited in New York to benefit F Cancer and support Van Der Beek.
  
• Van Der Beek sent a video message and thanked fans for showing up.

The “Dawson’s Creek” reunion on September 22, 2025, was planned as a one-night celebration and a charity event. James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery from 1998 to 2003, was set to headline the live table read of the pilot. On September 21, he told fans he could not travel because he was hit by two stomach viruses while managing ongoing cancer treatment. He called the decision gutting and thanked supporters who bought tickets to fight cancer.

What changed at the last minute

Producers found an unusual stand-in. Lin-Manuel Miranda read the part of Dawson at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. Van Der Beek had joked that his kids would see Miranda as an upgrade. Outlets like ABC’s Good Morning America reported his message and the replacement on the morning of September 22, 2025. People magazine noted he still appeared for the audience in a pre-recorded video, thanking fans and introducing Miranda. The Los Angeles Times added that tickets sold out fast and that Michelle Williams helped organize the reunion.

The rest of the core cast took part, including Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps. The show benefited F Cancer and supported Van Der Beek during treatment.

Health context fans should know

Van Der Beek revealed on November 3, 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He said he was focused on treatment and family while staying hopeful. This reunion was not only a nostalgic get-together but also a way to raise money and awareness.

Colorectal cancer is increasingly common in people under 50. Van Der Beek’s updates have steered attention to screening and early signs. That context made the reunion feel less like a TV throwback and more like a community rally.

How the reunion still delivered

Even without the original Dawson on stage, the room kept its charm. The cast read the 1998 pilot. Family members joined the celebration. A well known Broadway figure reading a teen-drama role created a one-night crossover fans will talk about for years. The blend of nostalgia and theater energy helped the event keep its promise as a fundraiser.

The timeline at a glance

Why it matters

This story is about more than one missed appearance. It shows how a fan community can move money and attention to cancer causes. It also shows how producers can keep a promise to ticket holders in a humane, creative way. For many readers, the practical takeaway is simple. Learn your family risk, talk to a doctor, and follow screening advice for colorectal cancer. Public figures sharing their own fight can push more people to act.

What happens next

Expect more updates from Van Der Beek on treatment and recovery. The producers and cast can release clips or photos that extend the impact of the fundraiser. Given demand, a charity stream or encore reading is possible, though no follow-up event has been announced. Fans looking to help can:

• Donate to cancer charities highlighted by the reunion.
  
• Share verified screening resources.
  
• Support future cast charity efforts when announced.
  

Quick reader checklist

• Know your age and family risk for colorectal cancer.
  
• Talk to your doctor about screening dates and options.
  
• If you have symptoms, do not wait.
  
• Support verified cancer organizations.
  
• Follow cast accounts for official updates, not rumors.
  

Background on the star and the show

“Dawson’s Creek” aired on The WB from 1998 to 2003. It launched careers for Van Der Beek, Williams, Holmes, and Jackson. The teen drama dealt with friendship, ambition, and heartbreak in Capeside. A table read of the pilot brings fans back to the origin point. Doing it on a Broadway stage turns that memory into shared theater.

Van Der Beek has worked across film and TV since the series ended, from “Varsity Blues” to “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” and recent projects in 2025. His family life, now based in Texas, is part of his public story. That has made his health posts feel personal for many long-time viewers.

The bottom line

James Van Der Beek missed the reunion on September 22, 2025, due to illness while in cancer treatment. The show went on, with Lin-Manuel Miranda filling in and the cast reading the first script that started it all. Fans showed up, money was raised, and the message stayed clear. Community can help carry a person through a hard season.

Sources:

• People, “James Van Der Beek Makes Surprise Appearance at ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion After Canceling Due to Illness,” https://people.com/james-van-der-beek-makes-surprise-appearance-dawsons-creek-reunion-after-canceling-due-illness-11815128, September 22, 2025
  
• Los Angeles Times, “James Van Der Beek to miss ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion but says a ‘ridiculously overqualified’ understudy will fill in,” https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-09-22/james-van-der-beek-dawsons-creek-reunion-lin-manuel-miranda, September 22, 2025
  
• ABC News / Good Morning America, “James Van Der Beek replaced by Lin-Manuel Miranda in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion event,” https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/james-van-der-beek-replaced-lin-manuel-miranda-125812860, September 22, 2025