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James Van Der Beek, a beloved figure in the entertainment world, left an indelible mark with his passing at 48 on February 11, 2026, due to complications from colorectal cancer. While he is fondly remembered for his iconic roles as Dawson Leery in “Dawson’s Creek” and Mox in “Varsity Blues,” his versatility extended to a brief appearance in the 2017 film “Downsizing,” starring Matt Damon. Portraying a high school acquaintance of Damon’s character, Paul Safranek, Van Der Beek’s role as an unnamed anesthesiologist highlights his ability to leave a memorable impression, even in a fleeting moment.
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This cameo in “Downsizing” cleverly nods to Van Der Beek’s fame as Dawson, amidst a film featuring appearances by stars like Neil Patrick Harris, Laura Dern, and Niecy Nash. The movie explores the concept of shrinking humans to combat overpopulation and climate change, with Paul Safranek, an occupational therapist, volunteering for the experiment. Despite being left by his wife, who backs out at the last minute, Paul embraces his new life in a miniaturized world, discovering a new sense of purpose.
Unfortunately, “Downsizing” struggled at the box office, largely overshadowed by blockbuster hits like “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” and “The Greatest Showman” during its December 2017 release. Earning just over $55 million against a $68 million budget, the film was deemed a financial disappointment. Critics and audiences were equally unimpressed, often ranking it among Matt Damon’s less successful projects, and this opinion has largely persisted over time.
The film’s lukewarm reception might be attributed to the well-trodden narrative of characters being reduced in size. This theme has been explored in classics like the 1957 sci-fi “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” Lily Tomlin’s comedic take in 1981’s “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” and Rick Moranis’s hit family adventure “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” from 1989.
Downsizing flopped at the box office
Paramount Pictures
While “Downsizing” may fade into obscurity, James Van Der Beek’s legacy endures. His warm and charismatic presence on both the big and small screens remains unforgettable, a testament to his enduring appeal and talent.
Perhaps audiences were less than enthusiastic about yet another film in which the protagonist is reduced to a fraction of their typical stature. “The Incredible Shrinking Man” mined this territory with a much more fantastic bent in 1957, Lily Tomlin put a comedic spin on it in 1981 for “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” and Rick Moranis used a similar premise to score a massive hit with 1989’s “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”Â
While “The Incredible Shrinking Man” is a sci-fi classic that’s possibly due for a remake, and the Moranis movie is a family favorite, people have largely forgotten “Downsizing.” But they’ll never forget Van Der Beek’s warm, charismatic presence on the big and small screens. It is, in fact, unshrinkable.