EXCLUSIVE: Brendan Fraser reveals he found a sense of 'discipline' on set of 'Rental Family'

Searchlight Pictures' "Rental Family" comes to digital January 13 and Blu-ray February 17.

ByAmy BeckerOTRC logo
Thursday, January 8, 2026
EXCLUSIVE: Brendan Fraser found 'discipline' on set of 'Rental Family'

Searchlight Pictures' "Rental Family," starring Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser, is pulling at the heartstrings of audiences everywhere with its heartfelt, touching story, following one man and his search for belonging.

"Rental Family" is currently playing in theaters now. Otherwise, enjoy it from the comfort of home when it arrives on digital January 13 and Blu-ray on February 17. See below for all of the bonus features.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, Phillip (Fraser) finds himself employed at a "rental family" agency, where he plays stand-in roles for strangers seeking connection. Phillip is pulled into the lives of his clients when his immersive performances blur the line between pretend and reality.

On The Red Carpet has an exclusive look at the making of the film featuring Fraser, filmmaker HIKARI and star Mari Yamamoto.

HIKARI notes in the clip that color is used to convey emotion. At the start of the film, "we present a little coolness in the very beginning." She goes on to say, "obviously the blue always represents cool color (sic), like sadness and loneliness."

But as Phillip "goes through transformations at several points in how he sees himself or how he imagines or dreams himself to be," as Fraser explains it, color plays a big role.

To tell this story visually, HIKARI made sure "Every character he meets, especially Mira, actually, will start adding a little bit more color into his life."

It all comes together through the hardworking crew. "Getting to work with Japanese artists on set - the set design, makeup, the intricacy they bring to their craft - is incredible," Yamamoto says.

"There's a discipline and sense of duty," Fraser has about the work. "My hope is that it'll change you a little bit, that it'll warm your heart. It will make you feel like family is really who we include, rather than who we are assigned to."

For more behind the scenes details, check out "On The Red Carpet Presents: 'Rental Family.'"

Digital and Blu-ray Bonus Materials:

Featurette: Rental Family Revealed - Go behind the scenes with Brendan Fraser, director HIKARI, and the Japanese cast as they explore friendship, culture, found family, and filming in Japan in this intimate look at the making of "Rental Family."

Deleted/Extended Scenes:
Columbus
Crying Session
Apology
Aiko's First Client
Clearbright
Tickets
Audition
Phone Call
Final Montage

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