Jason Momoa announced his intention to dedicate the upcoming Aquaman 2 film in memory of a Massachusetts boy whom he developed a close bond with while the child was battling a rare form of cancer.
CBS Boston reports the family of Danny Sheehan, of Marshfield, confirmed the child's death on Sunday (August 8).
Momoa responded to the news of Sheehan's death with an Instagram post announcing his intention to dedicate the upcoming film in his honor, alongside a mural of both he and the child in full Aquaman costumes.
"I just found out this heartbreaking news. All my Aloha to this beautiful Ohana Love u baby boy rest in piece You will live in my heart I dedicate aquaman 2 to you lil angel Aloha UNKO Aquaman," Momoa posted.
Sheehan initially went viral after a video showed him excitedly reacting to being gifted an Aquaman action figure during a family photoshoot in 2020.
“Oh my God! My favorite one! I LOVE AQUAMAN!” Danny shouted in the video.
Momoa surprised Danny with a FaceTime call, which was shared on the actor's Instagram page in November 2020 and later sent the child toys and action figures.
“Hi Aquaman,” Danny said during their initial FaceTime. “I’m so excited.”
“Hi Beautiful boy,” Momoa responded while smiling. “I’m excited.”
The 42-year-old actor reportedly sent Danny a note with the gifts signed, "Love, Uncle Aquaman," according to CBS Boston.
Danny was diagnosed with Pineoblastoma -- a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer -- and Leptomeningeal disease -- cancer in the spinal fluid -- in January 2017, CBS Boston reports.
“I have been hearing about you all over, from all of my friends,” Momoa said during his FaceTime call with Danny last December. “And I wanted to call you and say hi and see how you’re doing.”
Danny asked Momoa about his sea adventures and showed him the Aquaman toy he received in the video, which has received more than 2,000 interactions on the family's "4TheLoveofDanny" Facebook account chronicling his cancer battle.
Momoa invited Danny to the filming of 'Aquaman 2' in London and promised him he'd give him one of his tridents during their December FaceTime call prior to the child's passing.