We have no issues with James Van Der Beek’s new duty as Your Honor!

The 48-year-old actor announced his hiring as a recurring character in the new Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, on Thursday, May 15.

Van Der Beek used Instagram to provide photos of a Deadline article identifying his character as Dean Wilson, “the city’s new mayoral candidate and current school district superintendent.”

“This is exciting.” I’m going back to work for a while,” he wrote. “I’m really delighted to join this fantastic cast in such a fun project.” I’m almost as excited as my wife and girls to be doing this 😍 #LegallyBlond #Elle.”

His wife, Kimberly, with whom he has six children, showed how thrilled she was to see her husband enter the Legally Blonde universe. “Annabel and I needed this!” she said.

Fans also congratulated Van Der Beek in the comments section, with one person writing, “One of my favorite actors in the prequel to one of my favorite films?? Yes, please! ❤️.”

“We want much more of the Beek 🙌❤️,” another said.

Others seemed to interpret the revelation as a sign that the Dawson’s Creek star was doing well throughout his cancer treatment.

“So glad you’re feeling good enough to go to work,” someone commented. “This is so exciting.”

Van Der Beek exclusively told PEOPLE in November that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and was receiving treatment. At the time, he stated that he was prioritizing his family and working whenever possible.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he said, although he has kept his health status mainly quiet in recent months.

Elle, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine media firm, will be released on Prime Video in May 2024. Witherspoon, who is also executive producing the spinoff, previously played Elle Woods, a feisty Harvard Law student, in the legendary Legally Blonde films from the early 2000s.

“Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity, in ways that only our beloved Elle could do,” according to a statement released at the time.

Then, in February, she announced that she had finally found the person to portray her mini-me. A video released on Instagram shows the moment she gave the part to actress Lexi Minetree.

“Your audition tape was amazing, as we talked about,” Witherspoon said to Minetree, as footage of her replicating Elle Woods’ Harvard application video played on the screen. “We had to make a very difficult decision recently, and we wanted to inform you in person because of the hard work you put in.”

The Oscar winner tricked Minetree with her solemn demeanor before giving the good news: “We just wanted to let you know that you don’t need to audition anymore since you won the part.” You are Elle Woods!”

“Really? Could I embrace you, please? Minetree, dressed fittingly in a bright pink shirt and pink heels for the occasion, questioned Witherspoon before the two hugged in tears.

June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, Chandler Kinney, and Zac Looker are series regulars, while Jessica Belkin, Logan Shroyer, Amy Pietz, Matt Ober, Chloe Wepper, David Burtka, Brad Harde, Kayla Maisonet, and Lisa Yamada are recurring guests.