18 Things True ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Fans Should Already Know

7. Katie Holmes sent in her audition tape

Katie Holmes was still in high school when she landed the role of girl-next-door Joey Potter, and since she was busy with a school play during auditions she sent in her audition tape instead of going to L.A. for it. Her mom read for Dawson and they shot it in her living room.

8. Joshua Jackson Was Almost Dawson

While Joshua Jackson ultimately made the perfect Pacey, he initially read for both Pacey and Dawson. Another actor who was up for that role at the time was a pre American Pie Jason Biggs.

9. James Van Der Beek was cast two days before filming

There was a bit of a disagreement over who should be cast as Dawson. Over 500 actors tried out for the part, including Adrian Grenier who went on to Entourage fame. The head of Sony wasn’t sold on Van Der Beek’s star quality, but Kevin Williamson stuck with his choice and ultimately yelled “I wrote Dawson! I am Dawson! This is Dawson!”