Star Wars: The Last Jedi may be coming out Dec. 15, but let the real Luke Skywalker bring you to tears right now.
Screenwriter Ed Solomon shared a story Monday about Mark Hamill meeting a terminally ill child and giving him the chance to finally meet his favorite Star Wars character.
In a short Twitter thread, Solomon told the very heartwarming tale.
WHY I WILL LOVE @HamillHimself FOREVER (THREAD OF 4):
When a friend's son (who was, so tragically, dying from an incurable illness) made a wish: to meet Luke Skywalker, it fell on me — the only person the dad knew who worked in the film business — to make a call. 1/4— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) December 4, 2017
Not knowing Mark, I called his agent and explained that this lovely boy watched Star Wars every day and wanted to meet NOT Mark Hammill, but, rather, the actual CHARACTER that he played (the boy's own mental state had devolved past the point of being able to grok that... 2/4
— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) December 4, 2017
Solomon, known for works like Men in Black and HBO's Mosaic, retold the story of contacting Mark's agent and making a kid's wish come true. He didn't even thave to convince Mark to meet him as his character.
..Luke was fictional). The agent begrudgingly said he'd call Mark, but also said not to get my hopes up. 90 seconds later I got a call from @HamillHimself, who immediately said yes and gave me his home address. 3/4
— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) December 4, 2017
He not only met with the boy, but spent hours answering question after question (sometimes the same ones repeatedly), AS "Luke." Even posting this now makes me teary. He was compassionate, kind, and patient. And it literally meant the world to this kid and his family. 4/4
— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) December 4, 2017
"Even posting this now makes me teary. He was compassionate, kind, and patient. And it literally meant the world to this kid and his family," he said in the Twitter thread.
The thread garnered over 1,200 retweets and 11,000 likes in over 24 hours. The sweet memory has fans loving the Star Wars actor even more.
Many even voiced how Mark was setting an example for celebrities to use their platform for good. Also, to make a difference in the world for something as easy as making a child's day.
You do a lot Mark. Right now it feels rare to hear stories about someone in a privileged position using that power for good. Thanks for being one of the good guys ❤️
— HLJ (@HamillsJackets) December 5, 2017
Sometimes when the world seems scary and the fear is bounced around the echo chamber that is Twitter and other social media platforms, it's always uplifting to see someone using their position just to be nice and taking the time to brighten someone's day... (1/2)
— The Spire Gallery (@SpireGallery) December 4, 2017
Mark, you continue to be awe-inspiring. You've been my hero since a child and you continue to be worthy of that title. Thank you for being a kind soul.
— IrishMel21 (@IrishMel21) December 5, 2017
My sister was in hospital many times during my childhood. We never knew if she would pull through - she's 24 today. Star Wars was one of the things that got me through, you guys were my friends. Thanks for doing this Mark. It means everything to kids
— Fiona Burt (@fiona_skywalker) December 5, 2017
@HamillHimself is so great to his fans and has a big heart. I'm not surprised by this story at all.
Mark, if you read this, thank you for bringing joy and love into this often cold world. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/64yl2qopxM— Mara Jade🕯️🇵🇷 (@MaraJade_2017) December 5, 2017
Mark Hamill replied to the thread with a message of reflection and appreciation for using his privilege for something that was meaningful to him.
There's no sweeter sound than a child laughing-I've been so lucky-feel it's my duty 2 give back in any way I can-Much prefer visits 2 hospitals than talk-shows
Heartbreaking but inspirational-makes my career seem trivial in comparison-Wish I could do more❤️ https://t.co/nXXutNfYsa— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) December 5, 2017
"There's no sweeter sound than a child laughing-I've been lucky-feel it's my duty 2 give back in any way I can-Much prefer visits 2 hospitals than talk-shows," he tweeted. "Heartbreaking but inspiration-makes my career seem trivial in comparison-Wish I could do more."
Solomon was glad to post the thread and share the kid's story. He even mentioned at the time, Hamill asked for nothing in return.
Good to know Luke still hasn't gone to the dark side.