Although there’s the occasional division between fans when it comes to Star Wars, on a whole we’re mostly all drawn to the franchise for the emotional attachments we have with the world and characters within it. And in a truly heartwarming move by Disney CEO Bob Iger, he allowed a dying Star Wars fan to see the upcoming film The Rise of Skywalker in a private screening.
It appeared that the fan had requested the opportunity to view the Star Wars film with his family before he’d passed away. The Rowans Hospice in Hampshire, England then used Twitter to reach out to Disney and relay the man’s dying wish to see The Rise of Skywalker with his family.
Here’s what Bob Iger stated on Twitter regarding the opportunity:
“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
As stated above, many fans have a major emotional connection to Star Wars and the franchise’s many entries over the decades. And so for this particular fan to see his dying wish granted, and get to see The Rise of Skywalker with his family, made it all the more a special occasion. Here’s how he responded:
“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!”
It’s nice to see that Disney was kind enough to allow this man to see The Rise of Skywalker with his family. It shows that Star Wars still means so much even after all the changes throughout the years. The same can perhaps be said for Disney, where even after becoming such a media powerhouse, will still pull a few special strings for those in need.
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
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will hit theaters on December 20, 2019.
Source: Deadline