James Van Der Beek Shocks as Evil Pastor in The Gates Trailer
James Van Der Beek Shocks as Evil Pastor in The Gates Trailer
Late actor James Van Der Beek stars as a sinister pastor in The Gates trailer, with Mason Gooding, Algee Smith and Keith Powers. The thriller hits theaters March 13.
James Van Der Beek’s final screen appearance arrives in a new trailer for The Gates, where he portrays an evil church leader. The late actor, who died at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, appears alongside Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, and Keith Powers as three friends whose road trip takes a dark turn after they witness a murder at a remote mansion.
In the trailer, Van Der Beek’s Jacob projects an air of menace as he exercises authority over his community, warning those who stand in his way. The film follows the friends as they’re pulled into a chilling cat-and-mouse confrontation, turning a weekend getaway into a perilous nightmare.
The Gates is slated for theaters on March 13. Van Der Beek’s career peaked during the late 1990s and early 2000s with Dawson’s Creek and roles in films like Varsity Blues, while he later appeared on television and in smaller projects. He had also been announced for Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel series, where he would play a high school dean.
Ahead of his passing, Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, renewed their vows in a simple, intimate ceremony two days before they celebrated with flowers and candles at home. The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs, explaining that the fight against cancer had placed a strain on finances while trying to support their children.
The Gates trailer and Van Der Beek’s final work have sparked conversations about his enduring legacy in film and television, as fans remember the actor’s wide-ranging career and the personal challenges he faced in his final years.
