The Stars of ‘Thunderbolts*’ and ‘American Idol’ Help Disney Grant Unforgettable Wishes
To celebrate 45 years of partnership with Make-A-Wish, The Walt Disney Company launched its first-ever Disney Week of Wishes last week.
Utilizing the full force of the Disney synergy machine, the company granted 170 wishes, giving children facing critical illnesses the adventures of a lifetime.
Photo: Disney
Last week, we updated you on the Disney Week of Wishes events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Now, however, I want to spotlight some of Disney’s other efforts.
Sebastian Stan Meets His Biggest Fan
Maryland native Aurora had dreamed of meeting Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years, when she was invited to visit the set of Thunderbolts* along with three other fans and their families.
Photo: Marvel
On set, she was able to not only meet Stan, but also his Thunderbolts* co-stars Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and David Harbour.
“I was so grateful that I got to hug this person who had done so much for me,” Aurora, who has lived with a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and debilitating arthritis for much of her life, told Good Morning America. “I wanted to make sure that I got the chance to tell [Stan] how much [he] did for me, and I got to do that. And I am so grateful.”
Photo: Disney
In addition to meeting her hero, Aurora celebrated her 18th birthday on set! The production crew even surprised her with cupcakes.
Finally, in a truly magical moment, Stan suggested that he an Aurora should trade dog tags, as the young fan had a replica of Buckey’s iconic tags around her neck.
After trading accessories, Stan continued to wear Aurora’s tags throughout the filming of Thunderbolts*.
“I just thought, ‘Maybe you should have mine and I’ll have yours’. It was a good moment. It was very touching,” the actor reflected.
“Any time we have an opportunity to interact face to face and see the amount of joy and gratitude these kids have — just from a simple hello — it fills you up.”
Meeting Luke Bryan
On a radically different set than Thunderbolts*, 9-year-old Adira and 10-year-old Brantley had their wishes granted when they were given a personal tour of the American Idol soundstage.
During their trip, the two fans met Luke Bryan, who let them walk the blue carpet and gave them signed posters from all three judges and Ryan Seacrest. To cap things off, the wish kids and their families got to sit in the audience during American Idol’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame/Iconic Idol Moments episode.
“When Brantley was 3 years old, he got to attend a Luke Bryan concert, and he’s just been the biggest fan ever since,” Paulson said. “And Adira gets very excited speaking about Luke. We’re so happy that we were able to bring them on set and have a private meet-and-greet opportunity on the blue carpet with Luke.”
It was an unforgettable experience.
“I’ve always liked him, my whole life. When I was littler, I would sing a lot of Luke Bryan songs,” Brantley told Good Morning America, with Adira adding, “He’s my favorite singer.”
Learn More About Disney’s Wish-Granting Efforts
Over the last 45 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have teamed up to grant more than 165,000 wishes.
Photo: Disney
To learn more about Disney’s commitment to Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/Disney
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