Moviegoers can now catch a glimpse of James Van Der Beek’s performance in “The Gates,” one of his final big-screen projects, via a new trailer.

Directed by John Burr, “The Gates” follows college pals Derek, Kevin and Tyon (played by Mason Gooding, Algee Smith and Keith Powers, respectively) who embark on a road trip, only to find themselves witnessing a murder after they attempt to take a shortcut through a gated community.

Van Der Beek portrays Jacob, a local pastor with direct ties to the crime but whose sanctified status within the community prevents him from being eyed as a suspect.

Watch the trailer for “The Gates” below.

“The Gates” is set to hit theaters March 13. The film’s trailer was unveiled Wednesday, exactly one week after Van Der Beek died of colorectal cancer at age 48.

Burr, whose credits include 2017’s “Muse” and the 2013 TV film “Boots,” told Entertainment Weekly that he and his creative team felt “incredibly fortunate” to have worked with the actor on the horror film.

“He brought experience and perspective to the role, and he built profound relationships with his fellow cast members and with the crew,” he said. “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.”

Van Der Beek had completed work on “The Gates” before going public with his cancer diagnosis in November 2024.

“None of us knew that he was already deep into his battle, and we were all shocked to learn with the rest of the world about his diagnosis,” Burr told EW, noting that he and Van Der Beek had continued to exchange periodic text messages over the past few months. “His words were filled with energy and punctuated with exclamation points even as his health must have been in decline.”

While “The Gates” may mark one of Van Der Beek’s last film projects, fans can expect to see more of his work on the small screen later this year. On July 1, he’ll appear in Amazon Prime Video’s “Elle,” the “Legally Blonde” prequel series that’s being executive-produced by Reese Witherspoon.

Speaking to Variety last week, Witherspoon described Van Der Beek as “a man of very high character and high values,” noting: “He brought that to everyday work on the set with our young cast. They just adored him.”

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