Author Robert Sellers in his book 'What Fresh Lunacy is This?: The Authorized Biography of Oliver Reed' (2012) wrote: "Of all the roles he would play in his career, many people have commented upon the fact that Gerald Kingsland in 'Castaway' was perhaps the closest to the real Oliver Reed."
UK singer Kate Bush was initially asked to star in the film, but she was put-off by the thought of running around stark naked the entire film. Instead she provided a song.
Of this film, in an interview published by 'Surrey Live' on 16th November 2011, lead actress Amanda Donohoe said: "Well, naked on a desert island with Oliver Reed - it was a tabloid fantasy, wasn't it?. He was an alcoholic and his behaviour was erratic, but he was always a courteous and good actor. His personal life wasn't working but he never crossed any lines professionally.''
Actor Richard Johnson, who was an executive producer on the film, actually also appears uncredited in an acting role in the film, playing Gerald Kingsland (Oliver Reed)'s close friend, lawyer and attorney.