Mark Hamill supports dying man’s wish to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens – update

By Alexandra Heilbron on November 5, 2015 | 13 Comments


Force For DanielAlthough Star Wars fan Daniel Fleetwood, 32, is dying of Spindle Cell Sarcoma, he’s hoping to be able to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens prior to its December 18 release date.

Daniel’s oncologist gave him two months to live in July and although he’s proven his doctor wrong, he doesn’t think he will live long enough to see the latest Star Wars movie open in theatres. He told his local TV station, Houston-based KPRC: “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.”

Daniel’s wife Ashley launched a campaign online to ask Disney and director J.J. Abrams if they could let him see The Force Awakens prior to its release in theatres. The story made it to Twitter and Mark Hamill, who reprises his role as Luke Skywalker, has retweeted a post about it, as has Carrie Fisher, Mark’s co-star in the original Star Wars films, and John Boyega, one of the stars of the new film.

In 2012 Abrams fulfilled a similar fan’s request when Daniel Craft, who had a terminal illness, was shown a rough cut of Star Trek Into Darkness five months before its official release. Daniel died just a few days later.

Update: Disney granted Daniel’s wish and he saw a rough cut of the new Star Wars movie at his home last week. He died shortly afterwards on November 9, 2015.



Comments & Discussion

  1. dierdre • November 5, 2015 @ 10:37 AM

    Its not much to ask for. So why not put the gleam back in his eyes and fulfill his wish if i was in the position to do so i would and let him take the darkside into the lightside xoxo my best wishes to his wife Ashley be strong

  2. Robert Kennedy • November 5, 2015 @ 11:00 AM

    The Force would understand this special showing. Conditions could be added. A personal or only 1 medical attendant. The Star Wars Galaxy has become large and encompassing when views. If it can be done for Star Trek, it can be done for a Star Wars fan. What did Mr. Abrahms want for the Star Trek Into Darkness select viewing.

  3. Edna • November 5, 2015 @ 11:03 AM

    I THINK IT WOULD BE GREAT TO DO THIS ONE THING FOR A TRUE STAR WAR FAN WHO IS TERMINALLY ILL

  4. Rommel Luna • November 5, 2015 @ 12:35 PM

    Hmmm.. what if it sucks? There’s a 50-50 chance it will. Poor guy.

  5. Tom Wilson • November 5, 2015 @ 1:22 PM

    This is a dying man’s last wish. C’mon Disney, show some heart. Children have the wish foundation that grants seeming-to-be miracles; surely something can be done to ease one man into the next life.

  6. Chris vS • November 5, 2015 @ 1:56 PM

    What would Walt do? Isn’t granting wishes what Disney is supposed to be about? Here’s a real opportunity to do just that.

  7. Javier Alvarez • November 5, 2015 @ 2:23 PM

    I solomily swear that if Disney, Mr Abrahms or whoever the powers may be, do not come to such a humane response as to answer this humble request, I swear that I will never, ever, watch a Walt Disney production of any type as long as I live. I will also never allow my children to watch any Disney movie again or buy anything with the Disney trademark. Furthermore, I will toss out every Disney movie I possess (many) and make sure it is unviewable.
    I leave you with this;

    When you wish upon a star
    Makes no difference who you are
    Anything your heart desires
    Will come true

    If your heart is in your dream
    No request is too extreme
    When you wish upon a star
    As dreamers do

    If those lyrics sound familiar, well they should be. Show the world you stand behind the fantasy, dreams and wishes of your trademark. I would like to keep my collection, but do the right and honourable thing. Thank you🙏⭐️

  8. Marjorie C • November 5, 2015 @ 7:02 PM

    “A Dream is a Wish the Heart Makes”.. DO IT!

  9. Jenny • November 5, 2015 @ 9:19 PM

    Thanks Tribute for this article and for putting a light on this man’s dying wish, I hope his dream comes true! I love Disney films and I think they will do right by him.

  10. MightyMad • November 7, 2015 @ 11:07 AM

    Good news: JJ provided a special screening for Daniel and his wife.

    And she said he loved the movie.

    Soldier on, Dan; glad you got to see it, buddy.

  11. Joana • November 10, 2015 @ 7:22 PM

    Honestly it’s cheap so is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Here’s why because not every non-celebrity should make a quest prior to a celebrity. Secondly, a child’s wish is to see a celebrity. That’s not fair to the celebrity or to the child. So please stop with this sympathy and acknowledge the truth.

  12. FiddyMission • November 11, 2015 @ 9:28 PM

    Wow! What a classy move. Kudos to Ashley, Disney and J.J. Abrams. They made a dying man a happy man. Condolences to Ashley on her loss.

  13. Joana • November 20, 2015 @ 8:17 PM

    Enough!


Join The Conversation:


Similar Articles

Will Smith faces serious backlash after Oscars assault

March 30, 2022 | 35 Comments

More celebrities have spoken up about Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock. The Academy has sent a letter saying that they will take ‘appropriate action.’


Tom Holland reveals why he botched a Star Wars audition

February 24, 2021 | 2 Comments

Tom Holland recalls the time when he auditioned for the role of Finn in the new Star Wars trilogy, only to botch it. It eventually went to John Boyega.


Oscar Isaac wanted his Star Wars character to be gay

January 8, 2020 | 10 Comments

Oscar Isaac called Disney executives ‘overlords’ after they didn’t let his character in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker be in a gay relationship with Finn.


 Change Location