<P> Ewan McGregor was cast as the main character before leaving due to disputes with the director . It was speculated that Boyle was offered additional funding under the condition that DiCaprio be cast and his character made American . </P> <P> Real - life drama unfurled on set one day when the cast and crew were involved in a boating accident during production . It was reported that the incident involved both Boyle and DiCaprio . No one was injured . </P> <P> The beach seen in the film is not the same as in real life . There is a gap between mountains on the actual beach in Thailand . The special effects crew digitally added some of the surrounding mountains during the post-production phase . The actual beach was also transformed from its natural look . It is reported that crew members flattened the beach with a tractor, much to the locals' dismay . The tsunami of 2004, however, has reshaped the beach to its natural look . </P> <P> Boyle has been cited saying that the look of the jungle scenes in the film was inspired by the Rare / Nintendo game Banjo - Kazooie . </P>

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