Throwback!See 7 Fun ‘Cast Away’ Facts Every Die-Hard Fan Should Know

The movie's screenwriter stranded himself on an island for film research

William Broyles Jr. spent several days by himself on an island in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez prior to the movie's filming to research survival tactics.

Tom Hanks almost died during filming

Yes, seriously! While on set in Fiji, the actor got a cut on his leg that later developed staph infection. Tom stayed in the hospital for three days to recover.

Wilson sold for $18k at auction

One of the three Wilson volleyballs used in the film garnered $18,400 in a January 2001 auction.

Tom Hanks lost 50 pounds to play Chuck Noland

The flick's filming was even delayed a year so Tom could shed 50 pounds — and grow out his hair and beard! — as real time passed in the movie.

FedEx didn't pay filmmakers to appear in the movie

FedEx had no objections to being featured in the film and even offered support during shooting. The shipping company later admitted the flick increased FedEx business worldwide!

Most of the nighttime scenes were actually shot during the day

With the exception of the fire scene, all nighttime island shots were filmed in daylight and the sky's darkness was digitally added during post-production.

Tom Hanks and Wilson recently reunited at a hockey game

Tom and Wilson — his volleyball pal from the movie! — had a cute cast reunion when a Cast Away fan handed the actor the prop at a New York Rangers hockey game in February 2015.

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