<P> In the film , Wilson the volleyball serves as Chuck Noland 's personified friend and only companion during the four years that Noland spends alone on a deserted island . Named after the volleyball 's manufacturer , Wilson Sporting Goods , the character was created by screenwriter William Broyles , Jr ... While researching for the film , he consulted with professional survival experts , and then chose to deliberately strand himself for one week on an isolated beach in the Gulf of California , to force himself to search for water and food , and obtain his own shelter . During this time , a volleyball washed up on shore . This was the inspiration for the film 's inanimate companion . From a screenwriting point of view , Wilson also serves to realistically allow dialogue in a one - person - only situation . </P>
<P> In the film , Wilson the volleyball serves as Chuck Noland 's personified friend and only companion during the four years that Noland spends alone on a deserted island . Named after the volleyball 's manufacturer , Wilson Sporting Goods , the character was created by screenwriter William Broyles , Jr ... While researching for the film , he consulted with professional survival experts , and then chose to deliberately strand himself for one week on an isolated beach in the Gulf of California , to force himself to search for water and food , and obtain his own shelter . During this time , a volleyball washed up on shore . This was the inspiration for the film 's inanimate companion . From a screenwriting point of view , Wilson also serves to realistically allow dialogue in a one - person - only situation . </P>
how long is tom hanks on the island in castaway
how long is tom hanks on the island in castaway
four years
four years