Could this mark the final stage of a comeback for James Van Der Beek? The “Dawson’s Creek” star hasn’t quite matched the post-show success of Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson or even Katie Holmes, but 2012 seems to be a bit of a turning point. He’s a regular on the new ABC series “Don’t Trust The B—- In Apt. 23” and despite roles in a string of less than notable movies over the past few years (and that’s not counting his infamous deleted scenes from Todd Solodnz‘s “Storytelling“), he’s now notched a role that will find him acting opposite Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin. Not bad.
THR reports that Van Der Beek has come on board Jason Reitman‘s “Labor Day.” Based on Joyce Maynard‘s book of the same name, the film is set on a late summer Labor Day holiday weekend in the 1980s. And it opens with a divorced, depressed single mom (Winslet) who encounters a large, fearsome man named Frank (Brolin) — who also happens to be bleeding badly – while clothes shopping with her 13-year-old Henry. He asks for a ride and against their better judgment, they agree. Meanwhile, they learn that police are searching their town for an escaped convict, and put two and two together. Are they his hostages, or his accomplices? As the mother and son gradually learn his true story, everyone’s options begin to shrink.
Van Der Beek’s role is likely small, playing a police officer investigating a missing person’s case, but it’s definitely his most high profile project in a while. The cast so far is rounded out by “Suits” star Tom Lipinski and Maika Monroe, with the crucial role of the 13-year-old boy now being filled by Gattlin Griffith. THR reports that the young actor who featured as Angelina Jolie‘s abducted child in “Changeling” and as a young Hal Jordan in “Green Lantern” was won the role after an extensive search by Reitman. Finally, Variety adds that Brighid Fleming has landed the role of young boy’s object of affection.
So yeah, nice to see Van Der Beek back in the game. Below, check out the greatest gif of all time, followed by his own Funny Or Die video where he pokes fun at the internet meme and creates a few more.
