More than two decades after their on-screen romance captivated a generation, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson—the beloved stars behind Dawson’s Creek’s iconic pairing, Joey Potter and Pacey Witter—proved their chemistry is still very much alive. The duo co-stars shared multiple cozy moments at a special “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event and read-through in New York City on Monday. From holding hands to sharing tender embraces on stage, their interactions sent the audience and social media into a frenzy, sparking renewed passion for the couple who “invented chemistry.” The heartfelt reunion was held to raise funds for F Cancer and to support their absent co-star, James Van Der Beek, who is currently battling colorectal cancer.
A Tender Reunion on the Broadway Stage
The highly anticipated Dawson’s Creek reunion took place at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, featuring a read-through of the pilot episode. While the event’s purpose was charitable, all eyes were on the palpable connection between Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson.
The former co-stars, who played the show’s defining couple, Joey and Pacey, took the stage for the curtain call holding hands. Fan videos captured several sweet moments, including Holmes, 46, leaning her head affectionately on Jackson’s shoulder, which he immediately returned by resting his head on hers. Later, the actress reached out for a high five after Jackson took his bow before the cheering crowd. One attendee claimed via X that Holmes was “giddy like a schoolgirl,” while another gushed that the pair “understood the assignment,” instantly fulfilling the audience’s decades-long desire to see their favorite characters together again.
The Power of ‘Pacey and Joey’ Chemistry
The visible ease and intimacy between the two actors immediately reignited the intense fan devotion to the Joey-Pacey romance, which famously won the central love triangle of the show. The chemistry between the stars has always been a point of fascination, as they briefly dated in 1998 while filming the series.
Despite both actors moving on to high-profile relationships—Holmes marrying Tom Cruise and later dating Jamie Foxx, and Jackson co-parenting a daughter with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith—fans insist their bond transcends time. As one X user perfectly summed up the collective sentiment: “How Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes never sailed off in to the sunset is wild. Pretty sure they invented chemistry.” The heartfelt moments on the reunion stage provided definitive proof that the on-screen magic between the pair was always rooted in a genuine, enduring connection.
A Reunion for a Cause
The sentimental event was dedicated to a significant charitable purpose: raising funds for F Cancer and supporting the colorectal cancer treatment of their absent co-star, James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek, 48, who starred as the titular Dawson Leery, was unfortunately unable to attend the reunion due to his ongoing health struggles, confessing he was “gutted” to miss the show.
His health challenge provided a poignant backdrop for the reunion, underscoring the cast’s commitment to their former colleague and their desire to use their collective star power for good. The evening transcended mere nostalgia, transforming into an act of support and solidarity for one of their own, making the emotional connection on stage even more meaningful.
A History of Closeness
The recent reunion is not the first time Holmes and Jackson have worked together since Dawson’s Creek concluded in 2003. The duo reunited earlier this year to film the “Happy Hours” film trilogy in New York City, a project in which Holmes is writing, directing, and starring.
Jackson confirmed in an interview on the “Dinner’s On Me” podcast earlier this year that he and Holmes have maintained a “very close” friendship over the years. He clarified that while they don’t talk “daily” or even “weekly,” the bond forged during their formative years on the series remains strong. The series of cozy photos from the August film shoot and their tender moments at the reunion confirm that the relationship between the former lovers and long-time friends is one of the most stable and endearing in Hollywood history.
