- Disney gave a dying "Star Wars" fan a personal early screening of "The Rise of Skywalker" after the patient's hospice tweeted out a plea for help.
- Rowans Hospice, in in Hampshire, England, said the patient didn't have "time on his side" for the coming December 20 premiere date.
- Disney CEO Bob Iger saw the tweet, and within three days a special laptop arrived to the hospice center with "The Rise of Skywalker."
- The patient released a statement thanking Disney, saying he felt like he won the lottery.
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A dying "Star Wars" fan has gotten his wish to see "The Rise of Skywalker." Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger on Friday helped facilitate a private screening of the film for mid-December — when the movie is scheduled to be released in the UK — after Rowans Hospice in Hampshire, England, made a plea on Twitter on behalf of the patient, saying "time is not on his side."
Iger agreed to the private screening after hearing of the plea from the hospice.
Can you help? We have a patient who's a HUGE #StarWars fan. Sadly, time is not on his side for the 20th Dec. His wish is to see the final Star Wars film #RiseOfSkywalker with his young son. If you know ANYBODY who might be able to make it happen, please share with them. Thank you
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 26, 2019
Please provide me with the necessary details and we will certainly try.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 27, 2019
"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!"
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!
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 28, 2019
The patient thanked Disney in a statement released by the hospice, saying he felt like he won the lottery.
"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.
On Wednesday we threw a Star Wars themed party for the patient and his family. We were joined by Stormtroopers, wookies and droids and a brilliant time was had by all pic.twitter.com/SDAoUDIsXq
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 29, 2019
The patient's wife also thanked Disney and everyone involved who helped her husband's wish come true.
"We are truly humbled by everyone's support. What has happened over the past few days has been truly mind-blowing. From a simple conversation, to witnessing the out pouring of generosity has been amazing. The massive Star Wars community has been incredible. The amazing people who have visited, along with the messages and gifts we have received have provided us with an opportunity to talk to our son more about the reality of his Dad's condition."
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is set for release in theaters December 20.