On the Tribeca Festival red carpet, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson , both 47, held hands and shared heartfelt praise for each other as they promoted their new film Happy Hours, a romantic dramedy about former lovers who reconnect after years apart . the reunion follows the recent death of their former co‑star James Van Der Beek, who died at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Happy Hours: A Nostalgic Return to Dawson’s Creek Chemistry

According to the source, Holmes wrote and directed Happy Hours, positioning the film as a “beautiful space” for the duo to revisit their past on screen. Holmes described their working relationship as “sacred,” while Jackson called it one of the core personal and professional relationships in his life. The film’s premise mirrors the dynmic that made their original Dawson’s Creek pairing iconic: former lovers rediscovering intense romantic feelings after a long separation.

Red‑Carpet Romance Sparks Social Media Frenzy

Videos from the premiere in New York City showed Holmes and Jackson holding hands, with Jackson singing her praiess and pulling her hand to his chest. Fans responded with swooning comments on social media,celebrating the flirty chemistry that has persisted for decades. The source notes that both actors are reportedly single—Holmes after a 2022 split from bassist Bobby Wooten III and Jackson after a 2024 breakup with Lupita Nyong’o—adding a layer of intrigue to their on‑screen dynamic.

James Van Der Beek’s Legacy Lingers in the Spotlight

The source highlights that the reunion comes nearly four months after the death of Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery. van Der Beek’s passing at 48 after a public battle with colorectal cancer casts a somber backdrop to the celebration of Holmes and Jackson’s new project. Their reunion is framed as a tribute to the enduring friendships forged on the show.

What’s Still Unclear About the Film’s Reception?

While the source details the actors’ enthusiasm and fan reactions, it does not disclose the film’s release date, distribution plans, or early critical reception. it also leaves unanswered whether the film’s narrative will mirror the original Dawson’s Creek storyline or chart a new course entirely. Finally, the source does not reveal how the actors’ personal lives may influence their portrayal of former lovers on screen.