If you spent your Tuesday nights in the late nineties glued to a CRT television watching the angst of Capeside, you might want to sit down. The news of a Happy Hours Katie Holmes release date isn't just a blip on the indie film radar; it is a full-blown seismic event for fans of Dawson’s Creek.
Why? Because she’s finally back with Joshua Jackson.
Seriously. After more than twenty years of "will they, won't they" interviews and nostalgic red carpet brushes, Pacey and Joey—or rather, Josh and Katie—are sharing a screen again. This isn't just a cameo or a quick guest spot on a sitcom. We’re looking at a massive, character-driven film trilogy.
When can we actually see it?
The big question everyone is typing into Google is the Happy Hours Katie Holmes release date. Here’s the deal: filming officially kicked off in New York City during the summer of 2025. According to industry trackers like Movie Insider, the first film moved into post-production in January 2026.
Now, if you know anything about the "indie-to-theater" pipeline, that timeline usually suggests a festival run before a wide release. While STX Films hasn't slapped a specific Friday on the calendar yet, the buzz suggests a late 2026 release for the first installment.
It's a "trilogy," which sounds insane for a contemporary drama, but Holmes (who wrote and is directing the project) apparently has a massive story to tell. They are reportedly filming these back-to-back or in very close succession.
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A reunion 20 years in the making
Honestly, it’s kinda wild it took this long. Katie Holmes has spent the last decade carving out a very specific niche as a director with films like Alone Together and Rare Objects. She’s got this quiet, observant style that feels very "New York intellectual."
But bringing Joshua Jackson into the mix? That’s the secret sauce.
In a post on Instagram that basically broke the millennial internet, Holmes wrote: "Working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship." The plot sounds like it’s leaning into their real-life maturity. They play two former lovers who reconnect as adults. They aren't kids on a creek anymore; they’ve got "careers, family, heartbreak, and rediscovered joy," according to the official synopsis.
Who else is in the Happy Hours cast?
While the Holmes-Jackson reunion is the headline, the supporting cast is actually stacked. You’ve got:
- Mary-Louise Parker (always a legend)
- Constance Wu
- Joe Tippett
- Nathan Darrow
- Jack Martin
There was even a recent report from Entertainment Weekly where Michelle Williams—yes, Jen Lindley herself—said she’s "available" if they want to make it a full reunion. Can you imagine? The fans would actually lose it.
Why this isn't just another rom-com
Basically, this is being billed as a "dramedy," but with the weight of a trilogy. That’s rare. Usually, we only see trilogies for superheroes or wizards. Doing it for a story about two people navigating mid-life suggests that Holmes is aiming for something like Richard Linklater’s Before series.
The production is being handled by Maven Screen Media and Bond Street Station. They aren't known for fluff; they’re known for prestige.
What most people get wrong about the project
There’s been a lot of gossip, especially from tabloids like the National Enquirer, trying to suggest that because Katie and Josh are "getting cozy" on set, they’re back together in real life.
Look, they’re actors. They’ve known each other since they were teenagers. Of course they have chemistry. But let’s not confuse a well-directed scene in the West Village for a rekindled 1998 romance. They are professionals making a movie about adult connection.
Actionable insights for fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on the Happy Hours Katie Holmes release date, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the Film Festivals: Keep an eye on the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026 lineup. A movie like this, with these names, is a prime candidate for a prestigious festival premiere.
- Follow the Production House: Follow Maven Screen Media on social platforms. They often post behind-the-scenes "wraps" long before the official trailers hit YouTube.
- Check the "Hedda Gabler" Schedule: Katie is starring in Hedda Gabler at The Old Globe in San Diego through March 2026. Usually, actors don't do heavy press tours while they are in the middle of a theatrical run, so don't expect a trailer drop until she’s finished with the stage.
- Google Alerts: Set a specific alert for "Happy Hours movie STX" to catch the official press release the second it lands.
This project feels like a love letter to a generation that grew up with these two. Whether it lives up to the hype or not, seeing Pacey and Joey—err, Josh and Katie—back together is going to be the cinematic event of 2026 for a lot of us.
Stay tuned for the official trailer drop, which is likely coming this summer.