The late James Van Der Beek will make his final film appearance in “The Gates,” where he stars as an evil pastor named Jacob, as revealed in the trailer.
Directed by John Burr (“Legend of the Muse”), the upcoming thriller will be in theaters March 13. In addition to Van Der Beek, the cast includes Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, Keith Powers, and Brad Leland.
“The Gates” tells the story of three friends who witness a murder while driving through a gated community. The trio finds itself targeted by a sinister pastor (Van Der Beek) and must face off against him and the neighborhood’s suspicious residents to survive.
In the trailer, Van Der Beek’s character proclaims, “I have been called upon to lead this community, and those boys seek to destroy us. Find them, and let God’s will be done.” Holding the trio at gunpoint, he later adds, “You’ve seen what happens when people get in my way.
Best known for his role as the titular protagonist Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek appeared in films like “Varsity Blues,” “The Rules of Attraction” and more. Later in his career, he starred in shows like “Mercy” and “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt. 23.” Before his death on Feb. 11, Van Der Beek filmed a recurring role for Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel series, “Elle.”
In the wake of Van Der Beek’s death, his friends set up a GoFundMe account to support his wife and six children, which has raised over $2.6 million.
Burr developed “The Gates” from a script he penned. Gary Glushon, Ross Kohn and Nancy Leopardi serve as producers. Watch the trailer below.
Source: variety.com
