Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, former stars of the cult teen drama *Dawson’s Creek*, recently reunited at the world premiere of their new film, *Happy Hours*, held during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The two actors, now both 47, shared a special moment that harkened back to their earlier days on the iconic television series, where they previously dated while filming together from 1998 to 2003.
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Holmes, who wrote and directed *Happy Hours*, took the opportunity during her speech to express her gratitude towards Jackson. She acknowledged their shared history and the creative partnership they developed on the set. “Josh, thank you for sharing this space with me again. You created the ideal creative experience for me years ago and again on this film,” said Holmes, highlighting her appreciation for their collaborative work.
The film revolves around the themes of connection and reconnection, exploring how individual experiences contribute to relationships. During her speech, Holmes elaborated on these themes, stating, “What you’re about to see is a beautiful community of artists who inspire one another and support one another.” She further described the collaborative atmosphere on set as “essential” and “quite magical”, expressing her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the project.
In addition to Holmes and Jackson, *Happy Hours* features a talented ensemble cast including Mary-Louise Parker, Joe Tippett, Constance Wu, and Jack Martin. The story focuses on Holmes and Jackson’s characters, former lovers who find their paths crossing years after their initial romance.
Reflecting on their journey since *Dawson’s Creek*, Holmes noted in an interview with *Variety* that both she and Jackson have significantly evolved as individuals since their early days in the industry. “We also wanted to give ourselves the space to show different sides of ourselves and to not portray these people we’re known for,” she shared, indicating a desire to push beyond their established personas.
Holmes shared her excitement prior to the premiere on social media, posting an engaging message that accompanied a photo of herself with Jackson. She wrote, “We are so thrilled to be a part of the Tribeca Film Festival this June with our film *Happy Hours*. So many beautiful people worked on this project. And working with Josh again was a dream,” reflecting the joy of their reunion both personally and professionally.
Notably, this film marks Holmes’ fourth directing endeavour, following her feature directorial debut with *All We Had* in 2016. Her growth as a filmmaker has been evident as she continues to create meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences.
*Happy Hours* premiered on June 6 at the Tribeca Film Festival, with additional screenings scheduled for June 9 and June 13. The film is anticipated to be the first installment of a trilogy, suggesting that this project could be just the beginning of a new chapter for both Holmes and Jackson.
With a solid blend of nostalgia and fresh creativity, *Happy Hours* presents a compelling exploration of complicated relationships. As attendees left the premiere, it was clear that both the cast and audience shared in a moment of celebration for this new venture, rekindling connections both on and off the screen.