Wilson ‘the castaway volleyball’ finds home

FIJI is an incredible filming destination with picturesque backdrops, warm tropical weather and experiences for a range of different travellers.

This was highlighted by Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill following the successful execution of a new tribute film released on July 17 marking the long-awaited return of one of Hollywood’s most enduring characters Wilson, the castaway volleyball.

Tourism Fiji launched the campaign to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic film Castaway.

“We’re excited to celebrate 25 years since one of the first major productions in Fiji, while continuing to grow the industry and showcase Fiji on the world stage,” Mr Hill said.

He said the tribute was a celebration of both Wilson’s enduring appeal and Fiji’s spirit of happiness.

“Wilson’s story is one that has stuck with so many for 25 years. He’s the volleyball that broke hearts around the world.

“So, when we realised it had been a quarter century since he was last seen drifting out at sea, we thought what better time to give Wilson the ending he deserves.

“And not only did he survive, he’s also thriving, making friends and even playing volleyball again.

“The short video is a way of giving fans a little closure and celebrating the heart that makes Fiji so special, where Wilson has found his happily ever after, where happiness comes naturally.”

Last seen floating out to sea in Castaway, Wilson the volleyball returns in the heartwarming film titled “Wilson’s Happily Ever After”, which follows Wilson’s journey to discovering happiness in the place where it comes naturally – Fiji, Tourism Fiji said in a statement.

“Executed by Special PR, directed by independent creative James Anderson, and shot by production house Radlab, the film is a nostalgic nod to a moment in film history that left many fans wondering what happened to the iconic volleyball,” Tourism Fiji stated.

“Thought to be lost forever, Wilson has been discovered right where his story began, in the place where happiness comes naturally.

“Imagining what might have happened after floating away into the vast ocean, the film shows Wilson washing up on the sun-kissed sands of Fiji, where he is embraced by the warm and welcoming local community.”

Tourism Fiji said the tribute highlighted Fiji’s growing role in the global screen industry, with a number of productions taking place in the islands over the decades, including The Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields, and many successful TV series such as Survivor, Love Island and Shipwrecked.

“Fiji’s film sector has become a major contributor to the local economy, employing more than 1200 locals and collaborating with nearly 300 local businesses, while injecting close to $100million during the 2023-2024 financial year alone.

“Beyond its economic impact, Fiji’s cinematic appeal is stronger than ever.”

Fiji’s film tax rebate, available only to fully funded offshore productions, is 20 percent, calculated on total Fiji expenditure, conditional on Regulation 6 of the Fiji Income Tax (Film-making and Audio-Visual Incentives) Regulations 2016, according to Film Fiji.