Star Wars: Bob Iger Confirms That Terminally Ill Fan Will See The Rise of Skywalker Early
It’s not an altogether unusual request — there’s a movie based on a similar story — but the moment remains heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.
Bob Iger (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
A hospice in the UK reached out to a galaxy far, far away via Twitter:
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
Iger Steps In
A back-and-forth occurred via Twitter, and finally, Bob Iger reached out and confirmed that the fan would, indeed, get his wish.
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
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Daisy Ridley as Rey
Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville, Hampshire, sent out a plea on Twitter asking for an early screening of the movie, which is due out on 20 December.
The hospice said: “This is our most desperate hour. Sadly, time is not on his side for 20th Dec.”
After receiving confirmation, Rowans said it “cannot thank Disney enough”
Appreciation for the Star Wars Community
Little is known about the patient but the hospice appreciated the attention given the tweet, which included responses from Mark Hamill and Michael Eisner.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron and Kelly Marie Tran as Rose
Lisa Davies, a healthcare support worker, who initially brought the patient’s wish to the attention of the rest of the staff at Rowans, said she was “utterly speechless” at the news.
“We totally appreciate that Disney has had to move mountains to make this happen,” she said.
“The response from everyone, including the Star Wars community, has been absolutely phenomenal over the last few days.
“We also want to thank the media for covering the story and totally respecting the privacy of the family,” she added.
As Mr. Iger said, May The Force be with the patient and his family, and us all….
