Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer for The Gates, a gripping new thriller led by Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, and Keith Powers — and anchored by a chilling, transformative performance from the late James Van Der Beek in his final film role.
Set to hit theaters March 13, 2026, the R-rated thriller unfolds over one harrowing night and blends psychological suspense with pointed social commentary.
A Road Trip Gone Wrong
Written and directed by John Burr, The Gates follows three college friends — Derek (Gooding), Kevin (Smith), and Tyon (Powers) — whose shortcut through a remote, gated community turns into a nightmare. After witnessing a murder, the trio finds themselves trapped behind the neighborhood’s imposing walls, quickly becoming suspects in a crime they didn’t commit.
As paranoia escalates and fear sets in, their brotherhood fractures along lines of belief, identity, and trust in authority. What begins as survival soon becomes a test of loyalty and perception.
At the center of the chaos is the community’s magnetic yet menacing patriarch, played by Van Der Beek in what is now a posthumous release. Known to many for his earlier career-defining roles, Van Der Beek delivers what early descriptions call one of his most sinister turns — embodying a charming but calculating figure whose influence keeps the entire neighborhood under his control.
His performance adds an emotional weight to the project, marking The Gates as a significant chapter in his legacy. While his final television role will be in the upcoming Prime Video series Elle, this film stands as his last big-screen appearance.
A Thriller With Something to Say
For Burr, The Gates is more than a survival thriller. Drawing from personal experiences, the filmmaker explores how race, perception, and privilege shape the way people experience danger — and how quickly narratives can be weaponized.
The result is a socially grounded thriller that feels both timely and claustrophobic, pairing propulsive tension with commentary that lingers.
Produced by Nancy Leopardi, Ross Kohn, and Gary Glushon, the film is presented by Lionsgate in association with Rebellium Films. Production was supported by the Oklahoma Film & Music Incentive and the Cherokee Film Incentive.
With a “heartthrob trifecta” at its core and a haunting final performance from Van Der Beek, The Gates positions itself as a thriller designed to spark conversation long after the credits roll.
The Gates arrives in theaters March 13, 2026.
Will you be watching when the gates close?