Netflix has announced that they will release a film inspired by the grandmother and stranger who became life-long friends after she accidentally invited him to a Thanksgiving dinner.
Nine years ago, then-65-year-old Wanda Dench, from Arizona, sent an accidental text message to then-17-year-old Jamal Hinton, asking him if he was coming to Thanksgiving dinner at her house.
Rather than ignore the unknown number, the pair sent each other selfies, with Hinton replying: "You're not my grandma," before asking if he could still "get a plate" at the dinner.
The sweet grandma responded: "Of course, you can. That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone."
What started as a text mix-up has now turned into a cherished holiday tradition.
The duo will now have the opportunity to turn their viral feel-good story into a feature film on Netflix.
In 2021, the streaming service announced that the movie, which will be written by Abdul Williams and produced by Robert Teitel and George Tillman, will be called Thanksgiving Tale.
While the film has yet to drop, the streaming service shared a synopsis, which read: "The film is based on the true story that went viral of Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench, two strangers who met after Wanda accidentally texted Jamal instead of her grandson, inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner.
"When Jamal, a senior in high school, accepted the invitation anyway, a deep friendship was formed between Wanda and Jamal, despite their very different backgrounds," it continued. "Spending each Thanksgiving together since 2016, the heartfelt story of Jamal and Wanda’s unlikely friendship has made people smile around the world."
Dench and Hinton shared a statement at the time, saying that they hope the movie "inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn't ordinarily make".
"We are so blessed to find a genuine friendship brought together by God from a mistaken text message," they added.
In the years following their viral text messages, the unbreakable duo have regularly taken to social media to give updates about their friendship.
Unfortunately, this year, the pair spent Thanksgiving apart for the first time in nine years as Dench was diagnosed with breast cancer after coming down with bronchitis.
Instead of their usual in-person gathering, Hinton and Dench connected over Instagram Live, allowing the grandma to chat with her friend while she rested at home.
Dench spoke to the viewers who were watching the live, telling them: "I just recently finished up with chemotherapy, so I'm not 100 percent yet," per Daily Mail.
"And I live about two hours away from where Jamal lives. And so we decided that this year would be best for my health if I stayed at home," she continued. "I was looking so forward to meeting his family and having turkey with everybody, but we have to accept things the way they are, and I'm sure next year is going to be so much better."
Despite having health struggles, Dench has remained positive: "After the shock wore off, I met with the most wonderful people at the Breast Cancer Center," she revealed on Instagram.
"Everyone was so kind, supportive, and knowledgeable. My family and friends quickly came to my aid and have supported me through everything," she concluded.
We wish Dench a full and speedy recovery so the duo can meet up in person again for next year's Thanksgiving!
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