A terminally-ill Star Wars fan who wanted to watch the upcoming movie “The Force Awakens” before he dies has been allowed to watch an unfinished version of the film, his wife revealed Thursday.
“To all our wonderful supporters, friends, family and awesome strangers: Daniels final dream was just granted!!!” Ashley Fleetwood said in a message posted to Facebook.
Daniel Fleetwood, 32, of Spring, Texas, was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare connective tissue cancer, two years ago, and on Sept. 2 his oncologist said he has two months to live, Ashley Fleetwood told NBC News this week.
Although Daniel has exceeded doctors’ expectations, a body scan at his home hospice on Monday revealed tumors had spread to nearly cover his lungs, Ashley said.
The couple’s wish became a campaign which soon picked up steam online. Then Mark Hamill, who is reprising his role as Luke Skywalker in the new film, Peter Mayhew, who plays Chewbacca, and actor John Boyega voiced their support, among others.
A Lucasfilm spokesperson confirmed the screening took place. “All involved were happy to be able to make it happen,” Lucasfilm said.
Ashley Fleetwood said in the statement that director J.J. Abrams called the couple Wednesday with the news. She thanked Disney, Bad Robot, Lucasfilm and all those who supported the campaign. She ended the message with “May the force be with you all!”
“The Force Awakens” won’t hit theaters nationwide until Dec. 18.
This article first appeared at NBCNews.com
