Kerr Smith returns to Dawson's Creek for live script reading

Dawson'S Creek star Kerr Smith and creator Kevin Williamson took part in a gender-swapping live script reading of the hit teen drama during the ATX Television Festival on Sunday (07Jun15).

Williamson read the stage directions for the pilot of the programme, as Smith, who began his run as Jack McPhee in the second season of the show, played Jen Lindley, originally portrayed by Michelle Williams, at the Austin, Texas event.

The surprise cast also included former Parenthood actress Mae Whitman, who took on the lead role of Dawson Leery, originally played by James Van Der Beek, Suits star Patrick J. Adams as Katie Holmes' Joey Potter, and Rectify actress Abigail Spencer portrayed bad boy Pacey Witter.

Joshua Jackson, who originated the Witter role, found out about Spencer taking over the part, and took to Twitter.com and wrote, "I feel pacey is in good hands. Did she go bowl cut or unfortunate goatee/hockey hair combo?"

Spencer quipped, "I went with #Pacey hair... essence. goatee/hockey hair combo on the inside. Much respect to the one & only."

Satisfied with the choice, Jackson replied, "Classic, elegant. I knew we would be well represented. Welcome to the witter family."

Other parts were played by Friday Night Lights alums Stacey Oristano, Derek Phillips, and Louanne Stephens, The Vampire Diaries' Arielle Kebbel, Orphan Black actor Kristian Bruun, and Revenge hunk Nick Wechsler.

Dawson's Creek ended its six-season run in 2003.