Star Wars Fan With Terminal Cancer Gets To See The Force Awakens Early
A dedicated Star Wars fan who is terminally ill with a rare form of cancer has been allowed to watch an early screening of The Force Awakens. Daniel Fleetwood suffers from spindle cell sarcoma and was told by doctors in July that he would likely only live another two months. This meant that he would probably not be alive long enough to see the film at its release in December.
His wife and other fans then started a campaign on social media to try to convince the filmmakers to let him see the movie early with the hashtag #ForceForDaniel. The campaign was boosted when two of the stars of The Force Awakens backed it on Twitter, with both Mark Hamill and John Boyega showing their support and asking the production chiefs to allow it to take place.
Speaking to his local news station KPRC-TV, he said: “Judging by how progressive the disease has gotten in the past two months I really don’t think that I’ll be able to make it. I just love Star Wars… with everything I got, I love Star Wars.”
The 32-year-old received a call from director J. J. Abrams last week and over the weekend was given the chance to watch the movie at his home when Disney employees brought an unedited version to him. After the screening, his wife made a Facebook post to thank Disney and LucasFilm for agreeing to help.
“Daniel just finished watching an unedited version of Star Wars: The Force Awakens!!! thanked the “talented [director] JJ Abrams for calling us to tell us Daniel was getting his wish,” she said. “I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen, thank you beyond words!!! May the force be with you all.”
Unfortunately, Daniel passed away in his sleep on Tuesday.