Carl Roberts 
The official trailer for Rental Family, starring Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser, has been released. The film will be in cinemas early next year.
The new trailer for RENTAL FAMILY from writer/director HIKARI and starring Oscar Winner Brendan Fraser, is now available. The film will be in cinemas in January 2026.
PREMISE
Set against modern-day Tokyo, 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.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Searchlight Pictures presents RENTAL FAMILY. Directed, co-written and produced by HIKARI (“Beef”, “Tokyo Vice”, 37 Seconds). The film stars Academy Award® and Screen Actors Guild award winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale, The Mummy, Encino Man) with a supporting cast that includes Emmy® nominee Takehiro Hira (“Shogun”). Mari Yamamoto (“Pachinko,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”). Akira Emoto (Lovers Lost, Shin Godzilla, Dr. Akagi) and newcomer Shannon Gorman. With a screenplay by HIKARI and Stephen Blahut (37 Seconds).
The film is produced by Sight Unseen Pictures’ Julia Lebedev (Dear White People, Bad Education) and Eddie Vaisman (Wildlife, A Thousand and One). As well as Knockonwood’s Shin Yamaguchi (37 Seconds, Spirit World). Jennifer Semler (A Real Pain, Theater Camp). Tomo Koizumi, Blahut. Leonid Lebedev (Bad Education). Fraser and Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Love & Mercy) are executive producers.
BEHIND THE CAMERAS
Joining filmmaker HIKARI behind the camera are director of photography Takurô Ishizaka (All of Us Strangers, Snake Eyes). Production designers Norihiro Asoda (The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi) and Masako Takayama (“Tokyo Vice”). Editors Alan Baumgarten and Thomas A. Kruger. Composers Jónsi and Alex Somers. Costume designer Meg Mochizuki (37 Seconds). Makeup department head Hiromi Momose (Like Father, Like Son), and casting directors Kei Kawamura and Yumi Takada.
Rental Family will be in cinemas in January 2026.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
