Lin-Manuel Miranda gave fans a glimpse into behind-the-scenes moments from the Dawson’s Creek reunion after he stepped in for James Van Der Beek.
After Van Der Beek, 48, announced he wouldn’t be able to attend the beloved show’s reunion on Monday, September 22, after he fell ill, he shared that Miranda, 45, was stepping in to play his role of Dawson Leery during the reading of the show’s pilot with the rest of the cast.
One day after Miranda and the Dawson’s Creek cast left the stage, he took to Instagram to share photos from the evening and reflected on the special experience.
“[Thomas] Kail called over the weekend: @vanderjames caught a virus and was unable to travel to NY for the Dawson’s Creek reunion Monday,” Miranda wrote in the post shared on Tuesday, September 23, referring to star Michelle Williams’ husband and the director of Hamilton. “Now I’m godfather to Tommy and Michelle’s kid, so filling in for Dawson last minute falls under general coverage.”
Miranda continued, “What happened next was for me, more like being in an episode of Quantum Leap; I had the immense privilege of being present as an understudy so that people’s love for James, his family, and this incredible cast and show could reverberate all around the Rodgers and the world.”
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Miranda went on to explain that he texted pictures and videos to Van Der Beek throughout the rehearsal and the reunion, which was set up to raise money for F Cancer amid Van Der Beek’s own battle with stage III colorectal cancer. He shared a slideshow featuring his favorite photos and videos from the experience, including one photo of him holding hands with Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson as the cast took a bow onstage. Another slide featured a selfie with Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and kids.
After he shared information about each photo, Miranda wrapped up the caption by writing, “F–k Cancer and thanks to everyone who helped make last night possible.”
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Shortly after Miranda shared the post, several people associated with the event took to the comments section to applaud him for stepping in. “You were perfect and we can’t thank you enough for stepping in for james,” Dawson’s Creek star Busy Philipps wrote, while Kimberly, 43, added, “You. If it was to be anybody, it had to be you. Thank you.”
Additionally, fans also praised Miranda for participating. “You did an amazing job stepping in last minute. I’m sure it meant to so much to James. Also need you and Josh to star in a buddy comedy immediately,” one fan commented, and another chimed in, “You can imagine what It means to James and his family to have you there! God bless you in every way, Sir. What a special night.”