Ryan Reynolds Reveals a Young Cancer Patient Was the First to See 'Deadpool'

In a Facebook post, the actor shared that he had screened the film for a young boy at a hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, six weeks prior to the film's release.

Deadpool is shattering box office expectations, but before the film’s release, Ryan Reynolds gave a young cancer patient the chance to see the film before anyone else.

Reynolds recently revealed on his Facebook account that about six weeks ago he screened his film for Connor McGrath, a young boy hospitalized in Edmonton, Alberta, who happens to be a big fan of the Marvel superhero, who is diagnosed with late-stage cancer in the film. After Deadpool undergoes a special experiment, he ends up with special healing powers.

Reynolds posted a photo with McGrath stating: “This is my friend, Connor McGrath. He's quite possibly the biggest ?#‎Deadpool fan on earth. He was also the first person ever to see the Deadpool film. Like Wade Wilson, Connor's trying to put cancer in his rearview mirror.”

And for those wondering what McGrath thought of the film, Reynolds added: "Of course, the Deadpool was right up his alley because Connor's the funniest, potty-mouthed Canadian mercenary I've ever met.”

Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls. This is my friend, Connor McGrath. He's quite possibly the biggest #Deadpool fan on... Posted by Ryan Reynolds on Friday, February 12, 2016

McGrath’s crowdfunding website notes that McGrath was diagnosed in July 2013 with High Risk A.L.L., a form of leukemia, and received a bone marrow transplant in May 2015. McGrath’s cancer has been in and out of remission and has not been responding to conventional chemotherapy. He will possibly need special, yet expensive Car T-cell therapy and has so far raised $24,631 of his $800,000 goal.

Reynolds added of McGrath: "He's my friend. I know lots of celebrities jump up and down touting a cause — and maybe I'm no different. But holy frozen shit-slivers, I love this kid. He's the GREATEST. And he needs your help to get well. I've donated to help Connor and I hope you will too."