Rental Family
| Rental Family | |
|---|---|
 Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Hikari |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Takurô Ishizaka |
| Edited by | Thomas A. Krueger |
Production company | Sight Unseen Productions |
| Distributed by | Searchlight Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time | 103 minutes |
| Countries | United States Japan |
| Languages | English Japanese |
Rental Family is an upcoming comedy-drama film directed by Hikari, who co-wrote the screenplay with Stephen Blahut. It stars Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, and Akira Emoto.
An international co-production between the United States and Japan, the film will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and is scheduled to be released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on November 21.
Premise
A lonely American actor 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.
Cast
- Brendan Fraser
- Takehiro Hira
- Mari Yamamoto
- Shannon Gorman
- Akira Emoto
Production
The film has been in development since 2019.[1] In November 2023, Brendan Fraser was set to star in the film with Hikari directing from a script she co-wrote with Stephen Blahut.[2] In March 2024, Mari Yamamoto, Takehiro Hira, and Akira Emoto joined the cast.[3][4] Principal photography began in Japan on March 12 and wrapped in late May.[3][4]
Release
An international co-production between the United States and Japan, Rental Family will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025.[5] It is scheduled to be released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on November 21.[6][7]
References
- ^ Kit, Borys (November 16, 2023). "Searchlight Teams with 'Beef' Director Hikari for Comedy-Drama 'Rental Family' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (November 21, 2023). "Brendan Fraser Finds His First Major Role After Oscar Win With Searchlight's Rental Family". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ a b Lang, Brent (March 5, 2024). "Mari Yamamoto Starring Opposite Brendan Fraser in Searchlight's 'Rental Family' (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 18, 2024). "'Shōgun's Takehiro Hira And Akira Emoto Join Brendan Fraser's 'Rental Family' At Searchlight".
- ^ "Rental Family". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Garner, Glenn (July 11, 2025). "Disney Sets 'Rental Family' & 'Psycho Killer' Release Dates". Deadline. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 16, 2025). "TIFF Unveils Round Of World Premieres With 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' & Pics From Derek Cianfrance, Paul Greengrass, Nicholas Hytner, Hikari & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 16, 2025.