A chilling new trailer has been unveiled for the upcoming horror film 'The Gates', offering audiences a poignant look at one of the final cinematic performances from the late actor James Van Der Beek. Directed by John Burr, the movie is scheduled to premiere in theaters on March 13, with the trailer dropping just one week after Van Der Beek's tragic passing from colorectal cancer at the age of 48.
Plot and Cast Details
The film follows three college friends—Derek, Kevin, and Tyon, portrayed by Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, and Keith Powers—who embark on a road trip. Their journey takes a dark turn when they decide to take a shortcut through a gated community, inadvertently witnessing a brutal murder. Van Der Beek stars as Jacob, a local pastor with direct connections to the crime, yet his revered position in the community shields him from suspicion.
Director's Reflections on Van Der Beek
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director John Burr, known for works like 2017's 'Muse' and the 2013 TV film 'Boots', expressed that he and his team felt 'incredibly fortunate' to collaborate with Van Der Beek. 'He brought experience and perspective to the role, and he built profound relationships with his fellow cast members and with the crew,' Burr remarked. He added that between scenes, Van Der Beek effortlessly transitioned back into his natural, charming self, despite playing a flawed antagonist.
Burr also revealed that none of the cast or crew were aware of Van Der Beek's ongoing battle with cancer during filming, as the actor had completed his work on 'The Gates' before publicly announcing his diagnosis in November 2024. 'We were all shocked to learn with the rest of the world about his diagnosis,' Burr said, noting that their recent text exchanges were filled with energy and exclamation points, even as his health declined.
Upcoming Projects and Tributes
While 'The Gates' represents one of Van Der Beek's last film appearances, fans can anticipate more of his work on television later this year. On July 1, he will feature in Amazon Prime Video's 'Elle', a prequel series to 'Legally Blonde', executive-produced by Reese Witherspoon. In a recent interview with Variety, Witherspoon praised Van Der Beek as 'a man of very high character and high values', highlighting how he positively influenced the young cast on set.
This release serves as a bittersweet tribute to Van Der Beek's enduring talent and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy in both film and television as audiences prepare to witness his final performances.
