James Van Der Beek was caught with gay 'Dawson's Creek' porn.

James Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek

The 38-year-old actor - who played Dawson Leery in the teen drama - thought it was "hilarious" when he was given the raunchy film as a gift but was left red-faced when his suitcase was searched by airport security.

He recalled: "I remember when I was doing 'Rules of Attraction,' and the hair and make-up department got me a copy of the 'Dawson's Crack' porn movie as a gag gift. It was on VHS, that's how long ago that was, and I thought it was hilarious.

"I couldn't wait to bring it back and show everybody in North Carolina and say, 'We've made it! Look at us. They've made a porno out of us.'

"This was right after 9/11, and I get flagged by security, and somebody opened up the suitcase, and there's a gay porno right on top. Not just any gay porno, but one based on the show that I was on. Which is kind of excellent."

James insists he didn't mind the film, or the content of fan fiction stories written about the show - which also starred Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams and ran from 1998 to 2003 - and his character.

He added to Vulture: "If some fan out there is so inspired to make the opposite or make a parody, then it's their right. That's a good thing...

"Certainly in these bootleg shorts, and certainly in fan fiction. It allows the fans to be a part of it and reimagine it through their own lens."