The late actor James Van Der Beek, known for his role as Dawson Leery in the beloved show “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away on February 11 after battling colorectal cancer. His mainstream success in the show resonated with audiences and left a lasting impact on pop culture.
During the six-season run of “Dawson’s Creek,” the character of Joey Potter, portrayed by Katie Holmes, navigated romantic entanglements with both Dawson and Pacey Witter, played by Joshua Jackson. At a panel at the Steel City Con in April 2025, Van Der Beek shared his thoughts on Joey ultimately ending up with Pacey in the series finale, much to the disappointment of some fans.
Van Der Beek explained that as an actor, he viewed the love triangle between Dawson, Joey, and Pacey from a storytelling perspective rather than picking sides. He expressed that he believed Joey ending up with Pacey made sense in the context of the overall narrative, despite fans’ diverging opinions.
In a 2018 interview with People magazine to commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek reiterated his stance on Joey’s decision to choose Pacey over Dawson. Joshua Jackson also chimed in, humorously expressing his approval of the romantic outcome for his character.
Holmes, on the other hand, admitted to struggling with choosing between Dawson and Pacey for Joey. She revealed that she was relieved the decision was ultimately in the hands of the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson.
The evolution of Joey’s love life on “Dawson’s Creek” sparked debates among fans and critics alike, showcasing the lasting impact of the show’s storytelling and character dynamics.
The relationships and dynamics within “Dawson’s Creek” continue to be dissected and analyzed by audiences who grew up watching the iconic series. Despite differing opinions on Joey’s romantic choices, the show’s legacy endures as a cultural touchstone for a generation of viewers.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.