James Van Der Beek Plays Evil Pastor in Final Film Role, Watch Trailer
- On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Lionsgate shared the trailer for The Gates, which stars the late James Van Der Beek and opens in theaters on March 13, 2026.
- James Van Der Beek, actor, died on Feb. 11 at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer; he filmed The Gates and the Prime Video series Elle before his death.
- The trailer shows Van Der Beek's pastor character committing a murder and then plotting to hunt the witnesses, while the film centers on three college students who witness a murder after taking a wrong turn into a gated community.
- Fans have raised over $2.6 million via GoFundMe for Van Der Beek's family, and She added, "Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time."
- Producers Gary Glushon, Ross Kohn and Nancy Leopardi back the film, which stages most action inside a gated enclave, directed and written by John Burr from his own script.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The Gates trailer: James Van Der Beek stuns as sinister pastor in his final role
The trailer of The Gates offers a haunting look at James Van Der Beek in one of his final performances, portraying a sinister pastor in the Lionsgate thriller. Released shortly after his death, the film adds emotional weight to an already chilling survival drama.
‘The Gates’ Trailer: James Van Der Beek Plays A Murderous Pastor In One Of His Final Roles
As fans mourn the death of James Van Der Beek, one of the late actor’s final film roles is set to hit theaters next month. In the trailer for The Gates, premiering March 13 via Lionsgate Premiere, Van Der Beek plays murderous Pastor Jacob, who hunts three young Black community in a gated community after […]
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