Tragedy sadly struck earlier this year when James Van Der Beek passed away following a battle with colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek notably has a few posthumous projects, and that includes his final film, the 2026 movie schedule entry The Gates. Directed by John Burr, the thriller sees Van Der Beek play a man who antagonizes had him up against three friends after they witness him commit a murder in his house. Ahead of the film's release, Burr is getting real about his logic for casting Van Der Beek, and talk about an unexpected answer.
James Van Der Beek was known for leading the cast of Dawson’s Creek, as he played the titular character. Throughout his career, Van Der Beek made a name for himself play relatively good guys. Based on what The Gates' John Burr told Far Out Magazine, he wanted to flip the script on that:
