Brendan Fraser Recalls His Biggest Culture Shock Filming Rental Family

Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser stars in a new movie about a unique Japanese service. The film, “Rental Family,” explores the real-world business of hiring actors to pretend to be relatives. It is set for release in theaters on November 21.

Fraser portrays an American actor working for a Tokyo agency. His character takes on various roles for clients needing stand-in family members or friends.

Fraser’s Personal Connection to the Story

Brendan Fraser admitted he was unfamiliar with rental family services before the project. “I had no idea that such a place was existent,” Fraser said. He learned they have operated in Japan since the 1980s.

The actor also served as an executive producer. He connected with the story’s themes of loneliness and human connection.

Fraser believes these services address a real need. He noted mental health issues carry a particular stigma in Japan. According to Reuters, such services help people navigate social expectations.

Navigating Language and Culture On-Set

Fraser’s character speaks beginner-level Japanese in the film. In reality, the actor’s language skills were even more basic. He shared a humorous mistranslation incident from his time in Japan.

“I once told a waitress I was having my period, rather than that I wanted to order a coffee,” Fraser recalled. He emphasized that he still made a sincere effort to communicate.

Co-star Mari Yamamoto described the audience reaction at the Tokyo Film Festival. She heard sniffling and laughter, which she considered high praise from a reserved Japanese crowd.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is a “rental family” service?

It is a Japanese business where people hire actors to act as family members or friends. These services are often used for weddings, social events, or companionship. They have been available since the 1980s.

What role does Brendan Fraser play?

Fraser plays an American actor named Phillip who works for a rental family agency in Tokyo. His character pretends to be a little girl’s father to help her get into a good school. He also plays other roles like husbands and best friends.

Who is distributing the “Rental Family” movie?

Searchlight Pictures is handling the distribution of the film. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21. It premiered previously at the Tokyo Film Festival.

Did Brendan Fraser learn Japanese for the film?

His character speaks beginning-level Japanese in the movie. Fraser himself has limited real-world proficiency. He relied on translation tools while filming in Japan.

Why did this story appeal to Brendan Fraser?

Fraser was drawn to the universal themes of connection and mental health. He noted the service highlights a way people cope with loneliness. The unique cultural context made the story compelling for him.