James Van Der Beek is making a return to the screen.
Tubi unveiled a sneak peek of the Dawson’s Creek star in the upcoming film Sidelined 2: Intercepted on Monday, October 6. This movie serves as a sequel to the 2024 feature Sidelined: The QB and Me, which stars Noah Beck and Siena Agudong.
Van Der Beek reprises his role as Leroy Lahey, the father of Beck’s character. A recently released image shows Beck, 24, wearing a University of Southern California football jersey next to Van Der Beek on a football field during an interview.
The film is expected to debut on Tubi next month.
Beck, 24, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse on social media earlier this April, just after filming wrapped.
“You all know how significant this project is to me. The love we received from the first film surpassed all expectations, but to have a second one? That’s just incredible,” Beck wrote in a series of Instagram posts. “The atmosphere we’ve cultivated on set reflects the quality of the project, and it’s thanks to the entire cast and crew.”
He added, “Getting the chance to embody Drayton again for this film was a dream. I can’t wait for you to experience the highs and lows of college life with him xx.”
Van Der Beek’s role in the upcoming film comes during his ongoing battle with cancer.
Recently, the actor was unable to attend the Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York City due to health reasons. Nonetheless, he made a rare virtual appearance at the event, which was held on September 22 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and organized by Dawson’s Creek star Michelle Williams to raise funds for F Cancer.
“I can’t believe I’m not able to be there,” Van Der Beek said in a video message played during the event. “I wish I could hug my beautiful cast members in person. I just want to express my gratitude to everyone here tonight, from the cast to the crew, and especially to all of you for being such wonderful fans. Thank you for your support.”
While Van Der Beek has not spoken extensively about his new role in Sidelined 2: Intercepted, he has showcased the fun he experienced on the movie’s set.
In a TikTok posted in June 2024, Van Der Beek and Beck discussed their father-son dynamic in the films.
“Noah, honestly, how would you evaluate Leroy as a dad?” Van Der Beek inquired. “On a scale from one to ten, with one being terrible and ten being perfect.”
Beck addressed whether Van Der Beek was referring to the beginning of the story or the end. Ultimately, he settled on a seven out of ten for his onscreen father.
“Go to your room,” Van Der Beek jokingly responded. “You’re in trouble.”
When the initial movie in the series released, Beck enthusiastically spoke about collaborating with Van Der Beek, drawing parallels to the actor’s beloved 1999 film, Varsity Blues.
“He was fantastic,” Beck recalled in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, humorously suggesting that Sidelined: The QB and Me might act as a sequel of sorts to the classic sports film. “It’s kind of a perfect transition from his character in Varsity Blues.”
