Kerr Smith Pens “Dawson’s Creek” Book and Script for Jack and Doug Spinoff

Kerr Smith was in the midst of reflecting on Dawson’s Creek when he learned that Michelle Williams was leading a reunion to raise funds and awareness for early detection in support of James Van Der Beek’s fight against cancer.

“I’ve watched the pilot several times this year. I’m currently writing a book about my experiences with Dawson’s Creek, so it’s been nothing but Dawson’s Creek for me lately,” Smith, 53, shared exclusively with Us Weekly in connection with our Dawson’s Creek cover feature, now available on newsstands. “It evokes so many memories. Even at 53, the show continues to make me cry. It remains just as impactful for me as it was back then.” (Smith later mentioned that he was recently “bawling his eyes” out during the series finale due to — spoiler alert — Jen’s passing.)

Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee on the cherished WB drama, will reunite with Van Der Beek, Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Meredith Monroe, Mary-Margaret Humes, John Wesley Shipp, Busy Philipps, and several other former cast members for a reading of the pilot at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre on Monday, September 22. The event sold out in just 12 minutes and will benefit the nonprofit organization F Cancer.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Smith added. “I see James a couple of times a year, but the last time I saw [Katie, Michelle, and Josh] was in 2018 during the Entertainment Weekly reunion. It’s wild that it’s been seven years already. It feels like just yesterday.”

Smith mentioned that he has participated in 25 Dawson’s Creek-related interviews for his forthcoming book, aptly titled I Don’t Want to Wait, which will be released in fall 2026.

“It’s my first experience writing a book, which has been quite the undertaking. But it’s been enjoyable to revisit everything and rewatch many episodes. All those memories come flooding back,” he reflected. “I miss Wilmington. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to recreate that bubble, that camp vibe, because we had so much fun on the weekends.”

A significant theme in the book will be Jack’s groundbreaking coming out narrative, which featured the first kiss between two men on a primetime show.

“I had just landed an incredible role in Hollywood — at least in my eyes, given my age and inexperience. Three months later, after getting to know the other main characters and overcoming the challenge of feeling at home, I was asked to portray something quite different. It was quite a risk at that time,” Smith recalled. “I’m thankful I took that risk. We’re truly proud of it.”

Smith continues to have fans approach him regarding that storyline even today.

“[Recently], there was a man at a panel in Oklahoma City. He shared his life story, similar to Jack’s coming out experience as a teenager. He mentioned that he probably wouldn’t even be here today if it hadn’t been for that storyline,” Smith recounted. “James was sitting next to me, and we both listened to him for five minutes. I felt myself getting emotional, and James seemed to share the same sentiment. When the man spoke, I sensed James thinking, ‘How are you going to handle this?’ Without saying a word, I stepped off the stage and gave him a big hug. Experiences like that happen to me often, and I treasure them every time, as they mean so much.”

Among Jack’s other memorable plotlines was his friendship with Jen and her Grams (Mary Beth Peil).

“Mary Beth and I discussed this a few months back, and she shared the same feelings — her favorite moments were those spent in the house, just having fun, figuring things out, the three of us,” Smith shared with Us. “I’m thrilled that the writers chose to develop that friendship — I believe it stands out as one of the best in television. Working with Michelle was genuinely enjoyable, and even back then, you could sense her potential. Meanwhile, Mary Beth was already experienced, so as a newcomer, I was absorbing everything quickly.”

When asked about the time Jack and Jen almost got together, Smith chuckles as he recalls the season 4 episode. “I have no idea what that was about. Even while filming, we were thinking, ‘What is this? This feels odd.’ But it was entertaining,” he admitted.

In the 2003 series finale, Jack finds love with Doug (Pacey’s brother, played by Dylan Neal) — a relationship Smith would be eager to revisit, as he mentioned to Us that a spinoff has been pitched.

“And it’s actually written. Nobody has taken hold of it yet,” Smith disclosed to Us. “Dylan Neal and his wife conceptualized the idea and shared it with me. I thought it was fantastic; it unfolds in real time. Lily would be 17 due to the time lapse in the finale. So in real time, we have a couple of kids. We’re based in Capeside, married now. I’m the high school football coach and a teacher. Doug is the sheriff. It’s reminiscent of The Fosters, with two guys. I’d absolutely be on board for that. It’s really well-crafted.”

Since Jack (and his sister Andie, played by Monroe) didn’t arrive in Capeside until season 2 — “The first thing Josh said when we met was, ‘Hey, I’m Josh, just so you know, your life is about to change,’” he remembered — Smith will portray three different characters during Monday’s event, including Joey’s (Holmes) brother-in-law Bodie, played by the late Obi Ndefo.

“Then I’ll read for two teachers. One is the film teacher, which is the more substantial role involving Dawson. I think there’s another teacher with a few lines. It should be fun,” he expressed. “The last time I participated in a pilot read-through was at ATX in Austin, years ago, playing Jen, which felt quite odd.”

Van Der Beek disclosed in November 2024 that he was battling stage 3 colon cancer.

“He confided in me a couple of years ago, long before it was publicly shared. It struck me hard, to be honest. James and I have had an on-and-off friendship over the years, but at these conventions, it’s been interesting to reconnect with him,” Smith shared with Us. “As adults, our relationship has transformed completely. We were kids back then; it was a wholly different dynamic. For me, it’s been a special journey to rekindle our friendship. He’s doing well, maintaining a positive spirit, and he’s an amazing person.”

For more details on the Dawson’s Creek reunion, watch the video above or grab the latest issue of Us Weekly, now available on newsstands.