Katie Holmes And Joshua Jackson Spark Relationship Rumors After NYC Sighting
Rumors are swirling about a potential rekindled romance between actors Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson after they were spotted together in New York City this week. The former "Dawson's Creek" co-stars, who dated in the late 1990s, were photographed leaving a West Village restaurant Tuesday night, fueling speculation about their relationship status.
The sighting comes just months after Jackson finalized his divorce from Jodie Turner-Smith in February 2026. Holmes, who divorced Tom Cruise in 2012, has been single since splitting from chef Emilio Vitolo Jr. in 2021. Fans immediately began speculating about a reunion between the two actors, with social media posts about the sighting going viral by Wednesday afternoon.
Entertainment outlets confirmed the pair dined at Via Carota, an Italian restaurant frequented by celebrities. Witnesses described the atmosphere as "flirty" and noted they left together in the same car. Neither representative has commented on the nature of their relationship as of Wednesday evening.
The timing has particular significance for fans of the iconic WB series. "Dawson's Creek" recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, sparking nostalgia for the show that launched both actors' careers. Holmes played Joey Potter while Jackson portrayed Pacey Witter, whose on-screen romance became one of television's most beloved love stories.
Relationship experts note the pair's history could provide strong foundation if they are indeed reconnecting. "Shared history and mutual understanding from formative years often creates lasting bonds," said Dr. Amanda Ruiz, a New York-based psychologist specializing in celebrity relationships. "The public fascination reflects how invested audiences remain in these actors' lives."
Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing hope for a real-life "Joey and Pacey" ending. The hashtag #JoeyAndPaceyForever trended on Twitter Wednesday night, accumulating over 50,000 mentions. Memes comparing their 1999 on-screen romance to the 2026 sightings flooded Instagram and TikTok.
Entertainment Tonight reported that sources close to Jackson say he's been "spending more time in New York" recently, where Holmes maintains a permanent residence. The actors have remained friendly since their "Dawson's Creek" days, occasionally appearing together at charity events and reunions.
Industry insiders suggest the timing could work in their favor professionally as well. Both actors have recent projects wrapping up - Holmes just completed filming for an upcoming indie drama, while Jackson finished production on the latest season of "Fatal Attraction." The lack of immediate work commitments could allow space to explore a relationship.
As the story develops, public interest shows no signs of waning. Paparazzi have been spotted outside Holmes' Manhattan apartment building, and entertainment news programs are dedicating segments to analyzing every detail of the sighting. For now, fans of the former co-stars are left hoping life might imitate art for these two beloved actors.
