Fact Check: Is Cast Away based on a true story? Explained

Starring Tom Hanks, the survival drama film Cast Away was released in theatres on December 22, 2000. While the film was released in North America by 20th Century Fox, it was released internationally by DreamWorks Pictures.

Over the years, the film has also been made available on several streaming platforms where interested viewers can either stream it with a standard subscription or purchase and rent it.

The film's plot has sparked curiosity about its real-life inspiration. Over the years, viewers have speculated whether Tom Hanks' character is based on a real person and if the plot is derived from a true story. Although Cast Away is not based on a true story or a real-life person, the film drew inspiration from several real-life stories, which contributes to its sense of authenticity.

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Cast Away is not based on a true story

Although the central character and plot of Cast Away seem highly realistic, the film is entirely fictional. That being said, during the film's release, it was reported by The Austin Chronicle that writer William Broyles Jr. went to extreme lengths to make the film as authentic as possible.

To do the same, he moved to an isolated beach near the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, and cut off all contact with the rest of the world. It was reported that Broyles Jr. functioned on a strict code of conduct while isolated on the beach.

He made sure that he was looking for his own food and water. His stay on location also occasionally involved him breaking open coconuts and consuming them. He reportedly consumed stingrays and built shelters from bamboo and palm leaves.

William Broyles Jr.'s stay on the beach allowed him to put himself in Charles Noland's (Tom Hanks) shoes and have a nuanced perspective on the physical and psychological tribulations of being stranded in an isolated area indefinitely.

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Who is in the cast and crew of Cast Away?

Tom Hanks plays Charles Noland in the film (Image via Getty)

Cast Away is written by William Broyles Jr. and directed by Robert Zemeckis. It is produced by Steve Starkey, Tom Hanks, Jack Rapke, and Robert Zemeckis. It stars Tom Hanks as FedEx systems analyst Charles Noland, who is stranded on an isolated island near the Pacific Ocean after the cargo plane he was onboard crashed into the ocean, leaving no survivors besides him.

The film's cast comprises several renowned actors including:

• Tom Hanks as Charles Noland
• Helen Hunt as Kelly Frears
• Nick Searcy as Stan
• Jenifer Lewis as Becca Twig
• Peter Von Berg as Yuri
• Chris Noth as Dr. Gerald Lovett
• Geoffrey Blake as Maynard Graham
• Lari White as Bettina Peterson
• Michael Forest as Pilot Jack
• Jay Acovone as Pilot Peter
• Vince Martin as Pilot Albert Miller
• Garret Davis as Pilot Blaine
• Viveka Davis as Pilot Gwen
• Nan Martin as Kelly's mother
• Valerie Wildman as Virginia Larson
• Steve Monroe as Steve Larson
• Dennis Letts as Dennis Larson
• Elden Henson as Elden Madden
• Joe Conley as Joe Wally
• Timothy Stack as Morgan Stockton
• Fred Smith as himself

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Cast Away is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, and Google Play Movies.