Shocking Revelations: The Controversial Alternate Ending of Dawson's Creek That Left Katie Holmes Speechless

Katie Holmes opposed the original Dawson's Creek finale, disagreeing on who Joey should ultimately end up with. Dawson's Creek, created by Kevin Williamson for The WB, revolved around a circle of friends residing in Capeside, Massachusetts. Like many other coming-of-age shows in the '90s to the '00s, the series explored their journey from young adulthood to maturity.

According to showrunner Tom Kapinos in the book Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek: How 7 Teen Shows Transformed Television (via TVLine), Holmes resisted the idea of Joey ending up with Dawson. Executive producer Paul Stupin shares this viewpoint, believing that Pacey would have been the more suitable romantic partner for Joey. Their statements are quoted below:

Kapinos mentioned that Katie had a strong reaction, saying, "I don't want to end up with Dawson." As a result, the plot was reconsidered and rewritten.

Stupin suggested that if one observes the show closely, it suggests that Dawson is the ideal choice. However, Katie expressed her preference for Pacey and that influenced the decision.

Why Joey & Pacey Is The Best Dawson’s Creek Endgame

James Van Der Beek's character, Dawson Leery, may have been the center of attention in Dawson's Creek, but the show was more than just about him. It was an ensemble with multiple storylines happening simultaneously. One of the main romantic plots revolved around a love triangle between Dawson, his best friend Joey, and another close friend, Pacey. Although the original plan was for Joey to end up with Dawson, things changed as the series progressed.

The actors, Holmes, Stupin, and even Joshua Jackson, who portrayed Pacey, disagreed with the original ending of Dawson's Creek. As the show went on, it became apparent that Joey's connection with Pacey was more genuine and fulfilling than her relationship with Dawson. Their story was filled with passion and arguably healthier than Joey's relationship with Dawson. Although Pacey and Joey did face a breakup, it didn't feel right for her to be with anyone else.

Holmes opposes the idea of rebooting Dawson's Creek, but a reboot could potentially resolve the ongoing dispute surrounding the polarizing finale. If the show continues to remain in the past, at least the finale provided a satisfying conclusion for everyone. Although Dawson didn't end up with Joey, he achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming a successful director in Hollywood.