Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are reportedly giving fans a storyline no one saw coming, but everyone secretly hoped for. The former Dawson’s Creek co-stars, who briefly dated back in the late ’90s, are said to be enjoying a casual, no-pressure romance while filming their new movie Happy Hours in New York. And yes, the parallels between art and real life are doing a lot of heavy lifting here.
According to a source, the two are keeping things light while working together in New York, where they play former lovers reconnecting years after a breakup. For longtime fans who still associate Holmes and Jackson with Joey Potter and Pacey Witter, the situation feels almost cinematic on its own. Decades later, the same chemistry, this time swapped from small-town docks to Manhattan streets, appears to be resurfacing in a way that feels both nostalgic and unexpectedly grown-up.
“Katie is enjoying the ride,” a source explains, adding that spending time with Jackson makes her feel “alive again.” The insider notes that Holmes isn’t trying to lock anything down or force the situation into something it’s not. Instead, she’s choosing to stay present, even acknowledging that she can’t and doesn’t want to “possess him.” For an actress who has largely kept her romantic life low-key in recent years, this marks a noticeable shift in approach.
Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson Are In A New York State Of Mind
That said, not everyone in Holmes’ inner circle is totally at ease. Friends of the 46-year-old actress are reportedly nervous about where this could end up, particularly given Jackson’s recent divorce and current mindset. The source says those close to Holmes are “worried that she’s going to get hurt,” especially since Jackson has been open about not being ready for commitment.
“Katie does admit that she’s not immune to getting jealous,” the source reveals. Still, she seems willing to push through those feelings, believing the happiness she feels right now is worth stepping outside her comfort zone. It’s a sentiment many can relate to, choosing joy even when there’s a risk attached.
One thing that appears to be helping the dynamic is honesty. “Josh has always been upfront about what he is doing,” the source says. “He’s told her that he’s not ready to be committed,” which Holmes reportedly respects. In a dating culture often dominated by vague intentions and mixed signals, transparency may be what’s allowing this connection to feel manageable.
Joey And Pacey 2.0?
Since finalizing his divorce from Jodie Turner-Smith in May 2025, Jackson has been linked to several women, including model Priya Jain and Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley. He shares a 5-year-old daughter, Juno, with Turner-Smith and seems to be embracing a social, open chapter of life.
For Holmes, the appeal appears simple. “Fact is, Katie hasn’t had any romance in her life in a long time and what she has right now with Josh is so fun, it’s worth the risk,” the source says, even noting that friends feel she’s “playing with fire.”
Whether this New York reunion fades quietly or turns into something deeper remains to be seen. But for now, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson seem content letting nostalgia, chemistry, and timing guide the moment, and it’s hard not to root for them.
