One of the Most Famous Movie Props Is Here in the Hudson Valley

I need to get some answers, because one of the most famous movie props in the entire world might be hiding in the most random place in the Hudson Valley.

Our corner of New York has been a recent hotbed of activity for film crews. Both television shows and movies have been shot across multiple counties, and spotting A-list stars has nearly become commonplace. But that still doesn't explain what I saw in Newburgh.

Inside this innocent-looking building might be one of the most famous movie props of all time (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Famous Prop from 2000 Blockbuster Might Be in the Hudson Valley

The prop in question comes from a movie that was released in 2000 and definitely wasn't filmed in the Hudson Valley (there are no tropical deserted islands in the area that I can recall). It also won Tom Hanks a Golden Globe for best actor.

The fact that it's in a FedEx building might be a clue to the identity of the prop... (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Is a Castaway Prop Hiding in Newburgh, NY?

Of course, I'm talking about Castaway, the film about a FedEx employee who ends up stranded on an island in the middle of the Pacific ocean after a plane crash. It also has one of the most famous props (and quotes) in movie history.

You can just about glimpse the prop as you walk in the front door (TSM Poughkepsie)

Is Tom Hank's "Friend" in Castaway the Most Famous Movie Prop?

While not everybody remembers any other actors from the film (Helen Hunt was in it, by the way), what we do recall is Tom Hanks' inanimate friend: a volleyball he named Wilson. Many of us will also never forget the heartbreaking scene with the now-famous quote, "Wilsooooon!!".

Wilson the Castaway Volleyball in Newburgh FedEx Ship Center

Wilson is most likely the most famous volleyball in the world, so imagine my surprise when I walked into my local FedEx ship center in Newburgh, NY. I did a doubletake when I saw what was so innocently sitting on a shelving unit (below).

A FedEx shipping center in Newburgh claims to have "Wilson" from the movie Castaway (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Is Wilson REALLY Hanging Out in Newburgh, NY?

"Hi, my name is Wilson. I was in the movie Castaway", reads the small sign attached to the celebrity ball. I'd never been star-struck by sporting equipment before... Would such an iconic prop really be so casually displayed?

"Wilson" the volleyball is allegedly living at a FedEx location in Newburgh, NY (TSM Poughkeepsie)

The employee at the shipping center was busy with other customers, and a call to their listed number only gave me a corporate helpline with an AI menu, so I haven't been able to confirm the authenticity of Wilson. That being said, I have a theory.

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Not all movie props can be displayed in Planet Hollywood restaurants, and it would make sense for FedEx, which had a huge presence throughout the entire movie, to have some mementos from the film. Even without confirmation, I will choose to believe that this is, in fact, a genuine prop... if only because I need to believe Wilson was finally rescued from the ocean after all these years.