The final on-screen role of James Van Der Beek has been revealed, with the late actor set to make his last film appearance in the upcoming thriller The Gates, due in cinemas on March 13.

A newly released trailer confirms Van Der Beek stars as a chilling and corrupt pastor named Jacob, marking a dark and striking farewell performance. 

The film centres on three friends who accidentally witness a murder while driving through a gated community. 

What begins as a chance encounter quickly turns into a fight for survival, as the trio become targets of Jacob and the neighbourhood’s unsettling residents.

In the trailer, Van Der Beek’s character delivers a haunting warning to the community. 

“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.” 

Later, as he holds the young men at gunpoint, he adds, “You’ve seen what happens when people get in my way.”

The film is directed by John Burr, who also developed the story from his own script. The cast includes Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Brad Leland.

Van Der Beek was widely known for playing Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, a role that made him a household name. 

Before his death on February 11, Van Der Beek had also completed work on a recurring role in Elle, an upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series for Amazon Prime Video.

Produced by Gary Glushon, Ross Kohn and Nancy Leopardi, The Gates now stands as Van Der Beek’s final cinematic chapter, offering audiences one last look at an actor unafraid to take on bold and unexpected roles right to the end.

Watch The Gates starring James Van Der Beek below:

Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Feb. 15, 2026 at the age of 95. In this June 25, 2006 “Sunday Morning” profile, the star of such classics as “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” and the TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove” talked with Rita Braver about his career, including the early days hanging out with Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman; his Oscar-winning performance as a country singer in “Tender Mercies”; and his love of westerns. He even gave a visiting reporter an impromptu tango lesson.

The late Queen’s once beloved son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has suffered a fresh blow as his new home is plagued by issues amid reports of latest development in Epstein case.

The former Duke of York, who recently left the Royal Lodge, has been dealt yet another blow ahead of his 66th birthday which falls on 20 February.

The former prince is currently living in Wood Farm whilst renovations to his permanent home are complete.

New photos of Marsh Farm show that the disgraced royal is going to face a potholes problem.

The area is on a flood plain and residents have been advised to sign up for flood alerts in case local measures fail to alleviate the risks.

A flood risk assessment from last year for Wolferton Barns, which is just metres from Marsh Farm, stated: “The Environment Agency operates a flood warning system to enable householders to protect life or act to manage the effect of flooding on property.

“Failure of Wolferton Pumping Station may occur due to long-term mechanical breakdown or power supply being disrupted. If conditions put properties and land at risk of flooding, emergency action would be taken using temporary pumping equipment.”

Surrey Police’s appeal

It emerges amid reports that Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses following the release of US Department of Justice files relating to the late convicted financier Epstein.

“We take all reports of child and sexual abuse seriously and therefore, as with any other matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, including any information resulting from the release of materials in the US, we will assess it,” a spokesperson for Surrey Police stated. 

Andrew’s accuser Virginia Giuffre’s lawyer calls on US

David Boies, Virginia Giuffre’s lawyer, argued that Andrew has a duty to disclose any knowledge about the convicted paedophile financier.

“He’s got an obligation to tell what he knows,” Boies stated.

 “Now, I also think that if he’s afraid of being arrested in the United States, we ought to give him safe passage to come to the country to testify.”

He added: “Because we don’t want there to be any excuse for him not coming and telling what he knows.”