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Home Industry Insights Wilson the Volleyball Finds His Happy Ending in Fiji

Wilson the Volleyball Finds His Happy Ending in Fiji

Tourism Fiji’s latest film gives Wilson from Cast Away a joyful new life, while spotlighting the islands’ rising role in global screen tourism

ByBWT Online
New Update
BW Travel- creatives - 2025-07-17T172751.286

Tourism Fiji has unveiled a feel-good film that brings back one of cinema’s most unforgettable characters: Wilson the volleyball from Cast Away. Titled Wilson’s Happily Ever After, the tribute short imagines what happened after he famously drifted away at sea—revealing that he washed up on the serene shores of Fiji.

The 90-second film follows Wilson’s charming new chapter after he’s discovered by a young Fijian girl named Lani on the beach at Serenity Island Resort. In true Fijian fashion, Lani welcomes Wilson into her world, and the pair embark on joyful adventures across the islands. From pedalling rainforest trails with Eco Trax to splashing through Vanuabua’s turquoise waters, joining a traditional Kava ceremony, and even playing a few rounds of volleyball, the duo captures the warm, playful spirit of Fiji.

Directed by James Anderson and produced by Radlab, the film was created by Special PR and taps into a nostalgic movie moment while promoting Fiji’s natural beauty and hospitality. It’s a clever mix of storytelling and tourism, tapping into the emotional pull of a pop culture icon to invite viewers into a real-world paradise.

Beyond its feel-good charm, the film also highlights the growing importance of Fiji’s screen industry. In the 2023–24 financial year alone, international productions contributed nearly $100 million FJD to the local economy. The sector now employs over 1,200 Fijians and supports almost 300 local businesses.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill notes, “Wilson’s Happily Ever After allowed us to showcase the intimate, everyday stories of Fiji. Grounded in heart, beauty, happiness and humanity, the tribute film demonstrates how Fiji embraces travelers and showcases the versatile experiences on offer. “At the same time, it serves as a reminder that Fiji is home to a growing local film industry, with unmatched natural backdrops, a depth of local talent and crew.” Special PR’s Managing Director Kelly Grindle says, “We wanted to create a tribute that not only showcased the spirit of Fiji, but also tugs on the heart strings. It feels like we’re giving fans of the classic film the closure they’ve longed for.”

With Wilson’s Happily Ever After, Fiji not only gives an old friend a new home—it reminds the world that happiness really does come naturally here.