James Van Der Beek, the late "Dawson's Creek" actor, died after a colorectal cancer battle on Feb. 11. The film "The Gates" features VanDer Beek as the primary antagonist, a creepy, murderous pastor named Jacob, played against type. The story follows three friends, Mason Gooding, Kevin Smith, and Tyon, who are locked inside a gated community after witnessing a crime. They find themselves inside a religious community built by Jacob, an influential and well-liked pastor. Despite Jacob's violent actions, the film is critical of those who use religion as a shield when committing atrocities. Director John Burr said no one on the film was aware of Van Derbeek's illness while working on "The Gate."