Disney organizes special 'The Rise Of Skywalker' screening for dying fan

'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' hits theaters in three weeks, but unfortunately time is not on the side of a particularly diehard fan in England. The unidentified man is terminally ill and is not expected to make it to the film's December 20 release date. Earlier this week, Rowan's Hospice, which is caring for the man, sent out a plea to Disney via Twitter explaining that their patient's dying wish is to see the movie with his young son.

Disney CEO Robert Iger caught wind of the request and on Thanksgiving announced that it had been granted. "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!" he tweeted.

The man and his family were able to watch a screening at the hospice on Friday (November 29). "I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone that has helped to make this happen. During what is just a horrible situation to be in, you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family,” he told ABC News. "I am a huge Star Wars fan, and what I am going through is completely dire. Then to top it all, I thought I wasn’t going to see the film I have been waiting to see since 1977! I still can’t believe it.”

Rowan's Hospice documented the act of kindness on Twitter, letting the world know Disney hand-delivered a laptop with the movie to their facility for a special viewing party.

The franchise's star Mark Hamill left a special message to the fan, thanking Disney for granting his wish. "Many thanks to @RobertIger & everyone at @Disney for making this happen!" he tweeted. "Hope the Rowan Hospice patient not only enjoyed the film, but gets an extra-special satisfaction in knowing he saw it before I did."

This article was first published on iheart.com and is republished here with permission