James Van Der Beek’s Final Film ‘The Gates’ Gets First Trailer

The trailer for The Gates, the upcoming thriller film starring the late James Van Der Beek, has been released.

Van Der Beek died earlier this month, on February 11, from complications of colorectal cancer. The actor was best known for his lead role as Dawson Leery on the CW teen drama Dawson's Creek (1998–2003), as well as quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in the sports comedy Varsity Blues (1999).

In the months leading to his death, Van Der Beek had been open about his financial struggles following his cancer diagnosis and subsequent medical bills, resulting in the actor selling costumes and props from his most famous roles. As of February 19, a GoFundMe account made to support his wife and six children has raised over $2.6 million.

The Gates is scheduled for theatrical release on March 13. The John Burr-directed film

In the upcoming film, "three friends' road trip turns terrifying when they witness a murder in a gated community. Trapped inside, hunted by residents who blame them, their bond fractures as a charismatic yet sinister patriarch closes in," according to the official IMDb description.

 Van Der Beek portrays a "sinister pastor" the friends come across, and the trio must face off against him and the neighborhood’s suspicious residents to survive, according to Variety. In the trailer, the actor can be seen holding the trio at gunpoint.

The Gates also stars Mason Gooding (Scream), Algee Smith (Judas and the Black Messiah), and Keith Powers (Uglies).

While The Gates is Van Der Beek's final film role, it's not his only posthumous project. The actor also filmed a recurring role for Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle. The series is set for release in July, with a second season already filming — although the size of Van Der Beek's role after Season One is unknown.