Brendan Fraser is connecting families, one acting role at a time. Searchlight Pictures' first trailer for Rental Family shows Fraser's life changing completely when he starts taking roles for a Japanese Rental Family Agency. Set to be helmed by Hikari of Beef series-fame, the film's script is co-written by her with Stephen Blahut and is scheduled to hit theatres on November 21.
According to the synopsis, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
The upcoming film marks Hikari's sophomore feature film following 37 Seconds which premiered at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. It also stars Mari Yamamoto in a leading role.
Rental Family is backed by Hikari as well as Shin Yamaguchi, Julia Lebedev and Eddie Vaisman. Before its official theatrical release in November, the film will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
