In a nostalgic explosion that’s sent millennials into a frenzy, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, the beloved stars of Dawson’s Creek, have reunited on-screen for the first time in over two decades in the ambitious film trilogy Happy Hours. The project, which Holmes is writing, directing, and starring in alongside Jackson, has sparked a wildfire of excitement, with fans flooding X with heart-eyes emojis and cries of “Joey and Pacey forever!” The chemistry between the two, palpable in set photos from New York City’s bustling streets, has reignited memories of their iconic teen drama romance. But as whispers of their off-screen bond swirl, fans are left wondering: is Happy Hours just a movie, or could it be the spark of a real-life love story restarting? This is the tale of a cinematic reunion that’s as much about friendship, legacy, and electric chemistry as it is about the power of nostalgia.

The Dawson’s Creek phenomenon, which aired from 1998 to 2003, was a cultural juggernaut, capturing the hearts of millions with its tale of angsty teens navigating love and life in a sleepy seaside town. Holmes, as the soulful Joey Potter, and Jackson, as the charmingly troubled Pacey Witter, were the show’s beating heart, their on-again, off-again romance sparking one of TV’s fiercest love triangles. Fans were Team Pacey or Team Dawson, with Pacey’s heartfelt declaration, “I remember everything,” becoming a millennial touchstone. Off-screen, their chemistry wasn’t just acting—Holmes and Jackson dated briefly in 1998, with Holmes calling it her “first love” in a 1998 Rolling Stone interview, describing it as “so incredible and indescribable.” Though their romance ended, they remained close, with Jackson telling Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me podcast in 2024, “Katie and I are very close. There’s always that ‘I know, you know’ connection.”

Fast forward to July 2025, when Holmes announced Happy Hours on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself and Jackson beaming on set. “I am so very grateful to be working again with so many of my wonderful friends,” she wrote, calling her reunion with Jackson “a testament to friendship.” The trilogy, described as a character-driven dramedy, follows two former sweethearts (played by Holmes and Jackson) who reconnect as adults, navigating careers, family, and the pursuit of love amidst life’s obstacles. The plot, with its echoes of Joey and Pacey’s star-crossed romance, feels tailor-made for Dawson’s Creek fans, and the internet lost it. “Katie wrote a romcom about lovers reuniting and cast Joshua? I’m deceased,” one X user posted, while another quipped, “This is the millennial victory we didn’t know we needed!”

Filming began in New York City in summer 2025, and paparazzi photos of Holmes and Jackson have fueled the frenzy. One shot captures them laughing on a park bench, Holmes’ signature Joey scrunch lighting up her face, Jackson flashing Pacey’s confident smirk. Another shows them high-fiving on a street, with Jackson’s arm around Holmes’ neck, both radiating joy. A particularly tender moment—Holmes resting her head on Jackson’s shoulder while filming with a baby stroller—sent fans into a tailspin, with X posts like, “The chemistry is INSANE. Are they acting or falling in love again?” The images, splashed across tabloids and social media, evoke the Dawson’s Creek days, with fans noting how effortlessly the duo slips back into their dynamic. “It’s like no time has passed,” one X user gushed. “Joey and Pacey are endgame, on-screen and maybe IRL.”

The buzz isn’t just about nostalgia. Happy Hours boasts a stellar cast, including Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu, Joe Tippett, and John McGinty, with Johnna Dias-Watson and Jack Martin playing younger versions of Holmes and Jackson’s characters. The trilogy’s first film, currently in production, promises a blend of humor, heart, and emotional depth, with Holmes’ directorial vision—honed in films like Alone Together (2022) and Rare Objects (2023)—at the helm. “It’s a love story about shared joys, loss, and hope,” Holmes told People in July 2025, hinting at a narrative that mirrors her and Jackson’s own journey from young co-stars to lifelong friends. Set photos show intimate scenes, like Holmes gesticulating passionately while Jackson leans against a railing, suggesting the trilogy’s mix of witty banter and raw vulnerability.

But it’s the off-screen speculation that’s truly set tongues wagging. Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, are both single, fueling rumors of a romantic rekindling. Holmes, who’s kept her love life private since her 2012 divorce from Tom Cruise and relationships with Jamie Foxx and Emilio Vitolo Jr., has been spotted with Jackson off-set, laughing over coffee in Greenwich Village. Jackson, recently linked to Lupita Nyong’o after his 2023 split from Jodie Turner-Smith, spoke warmly of Holmes in a 2025 Elle interview, saying, “Working with Katie feels like coming home.” Fans have seized on these tidbits, with X posts like, “Katie and Josh are single, filming a love story, and looking that cozy? Manifesting!” Yet sources close to the duo insist they’re “just friends,” telling Entertainment Tonight in August 2025, “Rekindling romance isn’t likely, but their bond is special.”

The fan reaction is a testament to Dawson’s Creek’s enduring legacy. The show’s love triangle—Joey torn between Pacey and Dawson (James Van Der Beek)—inspired fierce debates, with Pacey’s charm ultimately winning out in the 2003 finale. Happy Hours taps into that nostalgia, with fans on X calling it “the Pacey and Joey reunion we’ve prayed for.” Former co-stars have joined the hype: Busy Philipps, who played Audrey, commented, “We are seated!” on Holmes’ Instagram, while Sasha Alexander (Pacey’s sister Gretchen) wrote, “Love this!!! Can’t wait!!!” The excitement has spilled into real-time, with viewership for Dawson’s Creek reruns spiking on streaming platforms like Hulu, as new fans discover the show that defined a generation.

Holmes’ role as writer-director adds another layer of intrigue. Her previous directorial efforts showcased her knack for intimate, character-driven stories, and Happy Hours feels personal. “Katie’s pouring her heart into this,” an insider told Deadline. “It’s not just a job—it’s a love letter to her past and her fans.” The trilogy’s themes—reconnection, second chances—mirror Holmes and Jackson’s own journey, from young lovers to seasoned pros who’ve weathered Hollywood’s storms. Jackson, fresh off the canceled Doctor Odyssey, brings a renewed intensity, with set reports praising his “electric” scenes with Holmes. “Josh is all in,” the insider added. “He trusts Katie’s vision completely.”

Yet not all fans are sold. Some on X worry Happy Hours risks leaning too heavily on nostalgia, with one posting, “Love Joey and Pacey, but will this just be fan service?” Others question whether Holmes’ directing can match the hype, given mixed reviews for her past films. But the early buzz is overwhelmingly positive, with test screenings reportedly earning high praise for the duo’s “undeniable” chemistry. “It’s like watching your first crush come back to life,” a viewer told Variety. The trilogy’s release dates remain unconfirmed, but with production rolling and social media ablaze, anticipation is sky-high.

Happy Hours is more than a movie—it’s a cultural moment. For millennials who grew up with Dawson’s Creek, it’s a chance to revisit the magic of Joey and Pacey, whose love story taught them about heartbreak and hope. For Holmes and Jackson, it’s a testament to a friendship that’s endured decades, with a chemistry that lights up screens and sparks dreams of something more. As one X user put it, “Katie and Josh together again? My 90s heart is healed.” Whether it’s just a movie or the start of something bigger, Happy Hours is proof that some connections never fade—just like the tides of Capeside, they keep pulling you back.