Terminally ill “Star Wars” fan Daniel Fleetwood has been granted an early screening of “The Force Awakens.”
“To all our wonderful supporters, friends, family and awesome strangers: Daniels final dream was just granted!!!” Fleetwood’s wife Ashley wrote Thursday on Facebook. “Today the wonderful Disney and Lucasfilms made his final dream come true, in the amazing typical Disney way, they really do make dreams come true!”
Ashley said that Daniel was given a private screening of the unedited version of the film at their home. In addition, director J.J. Abrams personally called to tell them that Daniel would be seeing the film.
“Lastly I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen, thank you beyond words!!! May the force be with you all,” Ashley wrote.
Daniel has been a “Star Wars” devotee since he was 8 or 9 years old and was very much looking forward to seeing the next chapter in the iconic sci-fi series.
He has been treated for spindle cell sarcoma, a rare connective tissue cancer, and has outlived his doctors’ July prognosis that he would have two months to live.
But on Monday doctors told him that his condition has worsened and he now doesn’t know if he’ll make it until the “The Force Awakens” opens on Dec. 18.
Among those who urged the studio to grant his wish were “Star Wars” actors Mark Hamill, John Boyega, and Carrie Fisher, who all retweeted it with the hashtag #ForceForDaniel. And the film’s female lead Daisy Ridley added her backing on Instagram later Tuesday.
Hamill tweeted his support the decision on Thursday, saying, “Thanks to the powers-that-be for making his dream come true.”
I just read this and am elated for Daniel & his family! Thanks to the powers-that-be for making his dream come true. https://t.co/ImiAdyBxf8
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) November 5, 2015