Before James Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11 after a harrowing battle with colorectal cancer, the actor took on a role as a sinister pastor in “The Gates.” The film will premiere posthumously on March 13. Lionsgate released the film’s trailer on Wednesday, Feb. 18, showing just how evil Van Der Beek could become in film.
“The Gates” stars Mason Gooding, Algee Smith and Keith Powers as college students who, upon driving into a gated neighborhood during a night out, stumble upon a murder committed by Van Der Beek’s character as a pastor.
‘The Gates’ Synopsis
According to a synopsis of the film, reported on by People, the innocent trio is on a “road trip gone wrong.” During which “the three young men take an ill-advised shortcut through a remote gated community, where they find themselves trapped behind the walls after witnessing a murder.”
The film’s description continued, “Over the course of the night, they find themselves blamed, hunted and fractured by their own differing belief systems, while the perpetrator (Van Der Beek) emerges as the cunning patriarch that holds the entire community under his influence.”
John Burr, who wrote and directed “The Gates,” shared a statement about Van Der Beek’s role in the film, explaining that despite taking on a menacing role, the late actor was somehow able to morph back into his gentle, loving self in between scenes.
James Van Der Beek’s Lasting Impression on the Set of ‘The Gates’
“We were incredibly fortunate to have worked with him on this film. He brought experience and perspective to the role, and he built profound relationships with his fellow cast members and with the crew,” Burr said, Deadline reported. “And while he was deeply dedicated to his performance as the flawed, amoral antagonist of our story, between scenes he effortlessly morphed back into the grounded, charming conversationalist he was at his core.”
Burr added that Van Der Beek’s ability to perform while battling cancer was a stark reminder of the incredible and dedicated person he was. “His words were filled with energy and punctuated with exclamation points even as his health must have been in decline,” Burr shared.
“The Gates” isn’t the only posthumous appearance Van Der Beek will make in film, either. In July he will also be featured in the “Legally Blonde” series titled “Elle,” Deadline reported.
Before his death, Van Der Beek also took on roles in Tubi original movies, including “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” “Sidelined: Rewind with Noah and Siena” and “Sidelined 2: Intercepted,” according to his IMDb. He also appeared in two TV shows: “Walker” and “Overcompensating.”
