It is always pretty incredible to see when Disney gives opportunities in ways only they can. This week, Disney gave a fan in hospice his final wish to see the final film of the Skywalker Saga, something he has patiently waited for since the first film hit theaters more than 40 years ago.
Bob Iger stated this week that they had learned of his family’s request to see the film and decided to make true Disney magic happen. Iger said on Twitter, “On this Thanksgiving, we at @Disney are grateful to be able to share #TheRiseOfSkywalker with a patient and his family @RowansHospice. May the force be with you and with us all!”
Not only did this mark the first fan that had the chance to see the finished film but he saw the final cut before some cast members! Mark Hamill took to Twitter to send well wishes and noted “Many thanks to @RobertIger & everyone at @Disney for making this happen! Hope the Rowan Hospice patient not only enjoyed the film, but gets an extra-special satisfaction in knowing he saw it before I did.”
Most importantly, the fan was incredibly grateful for this final opportunity to make memories with his family. In an official statement from the patient, “I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone that has helped to make this happen. During what is just a horrible situation to be in, you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family. I am a huge Star Wars fan and what I am going through is completely dire. Then to top it all, I thought I wasn’t going to see the film I have been waiting to see since 1977! I still can’t believe it. The only way I can describe this to you is to say that this must be what it feels like to be told you have won a million pounds!” the statement reads. You can read the full statement, plus one from his wife below.
We hope that the first screening of the film provides memories and magic that last for many years to come. To this family in such a difficult time, may the force be with you, always.
A dying Star Wars fan in England got to see #TheRiseOfSkywalker today at @RowansHospice with his family, thanks to @Disney and @RobertIger. Here's a photo of the patient and his son, who wanted to remain safely anonymous. @ABC pic.twitter.com/gLOnANqYrT
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) November 29, 2019
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