A young fan's final wish was to see ‘Minecraft’— so Warner Bros did something they’d never done before

A young boy living with terminal illness was granted an early screening of the upcoming "Minecraft" movie, weeks ahead of its public release. Kevin had been diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and fatal pediatric brain cancer, affecting about 300 children in the US each year, as per the National Cancer Institute. With his condition rapidly progressing, and his doctors telling the family he had only weeks left, his family wanted to fulfill his last wish to see the "Minecraft" movie. The film was still a month away from release, but the request reached Warner Bros, and they responded. A video, shared on Instagram by Kevin's father, Justyne Lobello (@roseofusca), shows Kevin arriving at the theater in a wheelchair, holding a Minecraft plush toy.

To fulfill Kevin’s final wish, Warner Bros arranged a private screening of the unreleased film. "The studio and actors all contributed to this," the overlay text read. He watched it alongside actor Sebastian, who plays Henry in the movie. His family said he loved the experience and described it as a way to celebrate his life. After the screening, Kevin even received a follow-up video call from actors Jack Black and Jason Momoa, who expressed their joy for him being able to see the movie. His father later wrote in the caption, "I am forever grateful." The family thanked the studio, cast, and multiple partners who made the event possible. "Thank you, Sebastian. Thank you, Jack. Thank you, Jason. Thank you, Jared," one caption read, followed by thanks to Warner Bros., Legendary Studios, Mojang Studios, and Lego.

His father also named Kim and Crew Stories for coordinating the experience, writing, "Please support this film. My son got his last wish granted because of them." A few days later, Kevin's father shared a heartbreaking update in the comments, "Unfortunately, Kevin passed away in my arms on March 12th. I am so grateful that he got his wish just in time." Viewers were devastated by Kevin's passing, but also moved by the people who worked together to make his final wish come true. @hay_b914 wrote, "I’m bawling. THESE are the kind of actors and famous people in general that we need. They gave that boy the best last weeks and that’s so heartwarming."

@voltseabee commented, "I saw someone say they would buy an extra seat, and that’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen from this godforsaken app. When we go I’ll try to buy him a spot so he can watch it as many times as he wants. I think everyone should do this not for the movie or to get them better profits, but for Kevin, because little man didn’t deserve the fight he got into." @wojtekgola said, "Good thing I'm not a hater because I would feel bad after watching this video... life is not fair." @lifes_tooshort22 added, "I truly think they should be thanking your son for allowing them to do such a positive thing for someone." @_cophumor_  quipped, "Went to the comments to see how he’s doing. I’m heartbroken. Rest easy, buddy! Go get that Lego heaven."

You can follow Justyne Lobello (@roseofusca) for more videos of Kevin.