'Rental Family' Interview: Brendan Fraser and Takehiro Hira

Moviefone speaks with Brendan Fraser and Takehiro Hira about 'Rental Family'. "The movie is about when make believe stops and reality begins," Fraser said.

(L to R) Takehiro Hira and Brendan Fraser star in 'Rental Family'.

Opening in theaters on November 21st is the new comedy-drama ‘Rental Family’, which was directed by Hikari (‘Beef’), and stars Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (‘The Whale’), Takehiro Hira (‘Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins’), and Mari Yamamoto (‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’).

Rental Family

"Happiness tailored to you!"

PG-13Drama Comedy

Release Date: Nov 21, 2025

Run Time: 1 hr 50 min

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Brendan Fraser and Takehiro Hira about their work on 'Rental Family', Fraser’s first reaction to the screenplay, Hira’s approach to his character, working with director Hikari, and shooting on location in Japan.

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Brendan Fraser in 'Rental Family'. Photo by James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Moviefone: To begin with, Brendan, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and why you were excited to play this character?

Brendan Fraser: First reaction, sign me up! Second reaction was that I love the premise of a rental family for how unusual that really and truly is. Then to learn that this really is a business, where I think it has been since the 1980’s or something like that. There are some 300 of them still exist in today, probably more now. But I felt like, of course it makes sense to have actors stand in for these surrogate mothers, fathers and brothers to the client's needs. But the story itself deviates from that make believe pretend, and it gets real when they stop pretending and are genuinely affected by the relationships that are forged. I mean, take one look at little Shannon Mahina Gorman, and you can't not fall in love with this kid, just like Philip does. He did not expect it. He didn't even know he was looking for anything like that. But in her innocence and in his need to discover who he is and his paternal instincts that he didn't know he had, something magical happens between the two of them. That's really what the movie is about, when make believe stops and reality begins.

(L to R) Takehiro Hira and Brendan Fraser in 'Rental Family'. Photo by James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Takehiro, can you talk about the unusual business that your character operates and why he recruits Phillip for this unique job?

Takehiro Hira: Because he’s a token white guy. Well, to be honest with you, in Japan, if you or let's say, over the age of 70 and if you have gray hair and a big beard, you can get a job as a Santa Claus. That's happened. I mean, you will see them all over the town during the Christmas period. So, along that line, you know, he's found (the right person for the) part.

Director Hikari on the set of 'Rental Family'. Photo by James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Finally, Brendan, what was your experience like working with director Hikari and shooting on location in Japan?

BF: Hikari, well, she is her namesake. Light. Fire, energy and light. The experience of shooting and Japan was unique, singular to me. I traveled there several times before, but I was always trapped in a hotel room answering questions to journalists, with respect. So, this time I got to get out into the city, get good and lost, and eat a lot of good food. Make friends with people that I still feel are now my family and leave the experience after having worked with her, knowing that it is true. I do feel I am claimed by the cast and crew of ‘Rental Family’. I'll be their guy forever, I will. It was so positive.

(L to R) Shannon Gorman and Brendan Fraser in 'Rental Family'. Photo by James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

What is the plot of ‘Rental Family’?

A lonely American actor (Brendan Fraser) living in Tokyo starts working for a Japanese rental family service to play stand-in roles in other people's lives. Along the way, he finds surprising connections and unexpected joys within his new family.