James Van Der Beek’s Darkest Role Yet: Twisted Pastor in ‘The Gates’ Trailer Will Haunt Your Zodiac-Driven Soul!
Added on February 18, 2026 inMovie News Cards
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Is today’s cosmic alignment nudging us to keep an eye on what lurks behind those shiny gates? Because just as Mercury does a dance with Pluto stirring up secrets and power plays, we get a thrilling glimpse of James Van Der Beek in his final role—a pastor with a shadowy agenda in Lionsgate’s upcoming thriller, The Gates. This intense new film, directed by John Burr and hitting theaters March 13, throws three friends into a perilous showdown with a church leader who isn’t as saintly as he seems. Van Der Beek’s haunting presence adds a poignant layer especially given his recent passing. Ready to see what unfolds when power and mystery collide in the celestial spotlight? Dive into the drama that’s got everyone whispering—the gates are opening, and you won’t want to miss what’s inside. LEARN MORE
The late James Van Der Beek stars as a powerful pastor with a secret life in the trailer for The Gates.
Lionsgate releases director John Burr’s thriller feature in theaters March 13. Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Brad Leland round out the cast for the movie that revealed its first footage Wednesday, a week after Van Der Beek died at 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.
The Gates centers on three friends who witness a murder while driving through a gated community. When the residents get suspicious, the three pals find themselves in a battle for survival as the sinister church leader (Van Der Beek) targets them.
“We were just trying to pass through, and we saw something, and now this psycho is after us,” Gooding says in the trailer.
Later, Van Der Beek declares, “I have been called upon to lead this community, and those boys seek to destroy us.” He adds, “You’ve seen what happens when people get in my way.”
Burr (Legend of the Muse) helmed the film from his own script. Gary Glushon, Ross Kohn and Nancy Leopardi serve as producers.
Known for such projects as Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, Van Der Beek had more recently appeared in last year’s Tubi feature Sidelined 2: Intercepted and on the series Overcompensating and Walker. Before his death, he filmed a recurring role for Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.
Fans have offered financial support following Van Der Beek’s passing, as the GoFundMe account set up to help wife Kimberly and their six children has raised more than $2.6 million.
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