A chilling new trailer has dropped for The Gates, the R-rated thriller that delivers one of James Van Der Beek’s most haunting and unforgettable final performances as a murderous, charismatic pastor named Jacob. Released by Lionsgate on February 18, 2026—just one week after the actor’s tragic death from colorectal cancer at age 48—the footage plunges viewers into a nightmarish world of paranoia, prejudice, and pursuit. Van Der Beek’s portrayal of the seemingly pious community leader who harbors deadly secrets stands out as a bold, shocking departure from his wholesome television roots, proving once again the depth of his range even in his last completed role.
The story centers on three young Black college friends—Mason Gooding as the level-headed leader, Algee Smith as the quick-witted skeptic, and Keith Powers as the impulsive wildcard—who embark on a late-night road trip that takes a horrifying turn. Seeking a shortcut or perhaps just a place to crash, they unwittingly drive through the imposing iron gates of an exclusive, gated neighborhood. What begins as a minor detour spirals into terror when they witness a brutal murder committed right before their eyes. The killer? None other than Pastor Jacob, the town’s revered spiritual figure, whose calm demeanor masks a ruthless killer.
As the trailer unfolds with escalating tension, the trio realizes they are trapped inside the community—one way in, no way out. The residents, loyal to their pastor and suspicious of outsiders, quickly turn against the young men, blaming them for the crime rather than questioning their own leader. Whispers spread like wildfire: these strangers must be the threat. Meanwhile, Pastor Jacob closes in, using his influence to manipulate the narrative and hunt them down. The footage teases heart-pounding chases through manicured lawns and shadowy backstreets, frantic phone calls that go unanswered, and moments of fractured trust among the friends as fear erodes their bond.
Van Der Beek’s performance emerges as the trailer’s dark centerpiece. Clad in clerical collars that contrast sharply with his cold, calculating eyes, he delivers lines dripping with false piety and veiled menace. “Those boys seek to destroy us,” he intones in one chilling moment, rallying the community against the protagonists while concealing his own guilt. Another scene shows him looming over a terrified witness, his voice low and threatening: “Get in my way, and you’ll regret it.” The transformation is stark—gone is the boyish charm of Dawson Leery from Dawson’s Creek; in its place stands a predator cloaked in sanctity, a role that demands subtlety in menace and explosive outbursts of violence. Fans and critics alike have noted the irony and power of seeing Van Der Beek, long associated with earnest, relatable characters, embrace such unrepentant evil in what may be his swan song on screen.
Directed and written by John Burr (Legend of the Muse), The Gates leans into classic thriller tropes while injecting timely social commentary. The gated community serves as a microcosm of isolation, privilege, and blind loyalty—elements that amplify the horror when prejudice overrides truth. The young protagonists, outsiders in every sense, face not just a single killer but an entire system rigged against them. Burr’s script reportedly draws from real-world anxieties about racial profiling, institutional cover-ups, and the dangers of unquestioned authority, all wrapped in pulse-racing suspense.
The cast surrounding Van Der Beek brings formidable energy. Mason Gooding, fresh off roles in Scream reboots and Fall, anchors the group with quiet intensity, portraying a young man forced to confront systemic threats head-on. Algee Smith (Judas and the Black Messiah, The Banker) infuses his character with sharp humor that cracks under pressure, while Keith Powers (Straight Outta Compton, Fate: The Winx Saga) adds raw emotion to the mix. Supporting players like Brad Leland round out the ensemble, portraying community members whose complicity heightens the dread.
Production on The Gates wrapped in late 2024, before Van Der Beek publicly revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in early 2025. Reports indicate he continued working through treatment, channeling his strength into this demanding role. His dedication shines through in every frame—particularly in scenes requiring physical exertion and emotional rawness. The trailer, clocking in at just over two minutes, masterfully builds dread: quick cuts of slamming gates, flickering porch lights, blood-streaked hands, and Van Der Beek’s piercing stare create an atmosphere of inescapable doom. Sound design amplifies the unease—distant sirens, creaking metal, whispered accusations—while the score pulses with ominous strings and sudden silences that let the fear breathe.
The timing of the trailer’s release has amplified its emotional impact. Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous fight. His wife, Kimberly, shared the news with profound grace, noting his unwavering positivity even in his final days. Fans flooded social media with tributes, reminiscing about his breakout on Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003), where he captured millennial hearts as the sensitive, introspective Dawson. That series launched him into stardom, leading to roles in films like Varsity Blues (1999), Scary Movie (2000), and later television appearances in Mercy, Friends with Better Lives, and indie projects. He also became a vocal advocate for mental health and cancer awareness, sharing his journey openly to destigmatize both.
Seeing him now as a villainous pastor—a character who weaponizes faith for personal gain—stirs complex feelings. Online reactions range from awe at his versatility to sorrow that this marks one of his last gifts to audiences. “RIP James Van Der Beek—this role is chilling,” one viewer commented under the official trailer on YouTube. Another wrote, “From Dawson to deadly pastor… what a range. He’ll be missed.” The performance invites reflection on legacy: how an actor’s final work can redefine perceptions, leaving a lasting imprint far beyond earlier hits.
The Gates arrives in theaters March 13, 2026, via Lionsgate Premiere, positioning it as a mid-March counterprogramming choice amid blockbuster season. Its R rating promises intense violence, language, and thematic darkness, appealing to fans of psychological thrillers like Get Out, The Strangers, or The Purge series—films that blend social horror with visceral scares. Early buzz suggests it could spark conversations about trust, community, and justice, especially given its exploration of how power structures protect the guilty.
As the trailer fades to black on Pastor Jacob’s smirking face, the tagline lingers: “One way in. No way out.” Those words encapsulate the film’s claustrophobic terror—and, poignantly, the finality of Van Der Beek’s screen journey. He leaves behind a body of work that spans generations, from teen idol to mature performer willing to embrace the shadows. In The Gates, he delivers not just a performance, but a reminder of his enduring talent: even in darkness, brilliance shines through.
The anticipation builds as March approaches. Will the film honor Van Der Beek’s memory with box-office success? Will audiences embrace this dark turn as his fitting farewell? One thing is certain: his Pastor Jacob will haunt viewers long after the credits roll—a sinister echo of a career defined by heart, now etched in fear.
