In a twist that has sent fans of the iconic ‘90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek into a frenzy, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, the beloved on-screen couple Joey Potter and Pacey Witter, are once again at the center of romantic speculation. The former co-stars, who dated briefly during the early years of the hit series, have been spotted not only collaborating on a new film project but also reportedly sneaking away for private outings in New York City. Newly surfaced images, capturing their undeniable chemistry, have sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity: could these two be rekindling their decades-old romance, or is this simply a heartwarming reunion of longtime friends?

The story of Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson is one steeped in nostalgia. The pair first captured hearts in the late 1990s as they portrayed the tumultuous yet endearing romance of Joey and Pacey on Dawson’s Creek, a show that defined a generation’s coming-of-age experience. Their on-screen chemistry was electric, fueled in part by their real-life relationship, which began during the show’s first season in 1998. Though their romance ended in 1999, both actors have spoken fondly of their time together, describing it as a formative and cherished experience. Holmes, in particular, has referred to Jackson as her “first love,” a sentiment that has lingered in the minds of fans who hoped their story might one day have a second chapter.

Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and the duo’s reunion on the set of Holmes’s new film trilogy, Happy Hours, has reignited those hopes. The project, which Holmes is writing, directing, and starring in alongside Jackson, tells the story of former lovers who reconnect years later, navigating the complexities of love, career, and family. The parallels to their own history have not gone unnoticed, and fans have been quick to draw connections between the film’s premise and the actors’ past. On set, Holmes and Jackson have been inseparable, often seen laughing, high-fiving, and engaging in deep conversations between takes. Their camaraderie is palpable, with Holmes frequently beaming in Jackson’s presence, a stark contrast to her more reserved demeanor in recent years.

What has truly set tongues wagging, however, are reports of the pair spending time together off set. Sources close to the production have hinted that Holmes and Jackson have been spotted exploring New York City, sometimes in disguise to avoid attention. These clandestine outings, coupled with newly released photos showing them in casual, affectionate moments—strolling through parks, sharing smiles over coffee, or even pushing a stroller during filming—have fueled speculation that their bond may have evolved beyond friendship. The images, which capture a warmth and familiarity that transcends professional courtesy, have sent fans into a tailspin, with social media abuzz with comments like “Joey and Pacey forever!” and “They’re clearly still in love!”

Both Holmes and Jackson have experienced significant personal changes since their Dawson’s Creek days. Holmes, now 46, was famously married to Tom Cruise from 2006 to 2012, with whom she shares a daughter, Suri, now 19. Since her high-profile divorce, she has maintained a relatively private personal life, with brief relationships that never quite captured the public’s imagination like her early romance with Jackson. Jackson, 47, was married to actress Jodie Turner-Smith from 2019 to 2023, and they share a young daughter, Juno. His recent romantic links to other actresses have only added to the intrigue surrounding his dynamic with Holmes, with some wondering if their shared history and current collaboration could be the spark needed to reignite an old flame.

The Happy Hours set has become a hotspot for fan speculation, with every glance and gesture between the two analyzed for deeper meaning. During filming, Jackson was photographed pushing a stroller, leading some to wonder if their characters’ storyline might mirror their real-life connection. Holmes, in her role as director, has been seen guiding Jackson with a confidence and ease that speaks to their decades-long bond. Off set, their reported private outings suggest a level of comfort and trust that few former couples maintain. Whether these moments are purely platonic or hint at something more remains a mystery, but the possibility of a romantic reunion has fans and observers alike holding their breath.

The public’s fascination with Holmes and Jackson is not just about their past but also about what they represent. For many, Joey and Pacey were the ultimate love story—a tale of two people who found each other against the odds, defying expectations and societal pressures. The idea that Holmes and Jackson could be writing a new chapter together feels like a validation of that narrative, a real-life fairy tale for a generation now navigating middle age. Social media platforms are flooded with nostalgic posts, with fans sharing clips from Dawson’s Creek and reminiscing about the emotional impact of Joey and Pacey’s love story. The excitement is palpable, with some calling their reunion a “millennial victory” and others joking that it’s “healing their inner teen.”

Yet, not everyone is convinced that romance is in the air. Some sources close to the pair insist that their connection is rooted in a deep, platonic friendship forged through shared experiences on a show that shaped their early careers. Both actors have emphasized the importance of their bond, with Holmes describing their collaboration as a “testament to friendship.” Jackson, too, has spoken of their closeness, noting that their shared history creates a unique understanding that transcends regular contact. The demands of filming a major project like Happy Hours could explain their frequent time together, and the affectionate moments captured in photos may simply reflect the ease of longtime friends.

Still, the rumors persist, fueled by the undeniable chemistry that radiates from every image and interaction. The Happy Hours trilogy, with its focus on rekindled love, seems almost too perfectly timed to be coincidental. As Holmes and Jackson continue to film, the world watches with bated breath, wondering if life will imitate art. Will they remain “just friends,” or could this be the start of a new, real-life love story for two of television’s most iconic sweethearts? Only time will tell, but for now, the secret outings and candid photos have given fans plenty to dream about.

As Happy Hours moves toward completion, the spotlight on Holmes and Jackson shows no signs of dimming. Whether their story ends with a romantic reunion or a heartwarming friendship, their reunion has already captured the imagination of a generation. For fans, it’s a reminder of simpler times, when love stories played out against the backdrop of a sleepy coastal town and a creek that carried their dreams. For Holmes and Jackson, it’s a chance to revisit a pivotal moment in their lives—and perhaps, just perhaps, to write a new ending.