Brendan Fraser's latest project, 'Rental Family,' takes him back to Tokyo, where he plays Philip, an American actor adrift in Japan who discovers unexpected purpose and genuine human connection when hired to play a surrogate family member for people struggling with loneliness. The film arrives at a moment when its themes feel particularly urgent.
Fraser was drawn to the project's unique premise, which explores the concept of rental families - three hundred agencies operating in Tokyo since the 1980s. These agencies serve a specific need: providing people with a sense of connection and human interaction. "Sometimes people just want you to look them in the eye and let them know that you know they exist, and that's enough," Fraser says.
Fraser has found his own personal connection to loneliness, which he describes as an experience that takes on particular dimensions in the public eye. He acknowledges that having company doesn't necessarily alleviate feelings of loneliness. In fact, he thinks people can identify with feeling alone, even when surrounded by others.
The film's director, Hikari, shares Fraser's sensibilities and has brought personal investment to the material. She is her namesake - meaning "light, fire, energy" - and her approach to storytelling resonates with Fraser.
Fraser finds himself questioning the ethics of AI-generated content in acting roles. He believes it's a form of plagiarism, as artists are manipulating their image, voice, or likeness without permission. The debate on AI in acting highlights the need for more regulation and respect for creative work.
In addition to his work on 'Rental Family,' Fraser is set to star in the upcoming film "Pressure" from Focus Features, about the D-Day invasion. He also has potential plans to return to the "Mummy" franchise, which he hopes will come to fruition.
Fraser offers words of encouragement for those struggling with loneliness and isolation during the holiday season. He suggests that asking for help is crucial in overcoming apathy. The film 'Rental Family' explores this theme and provides a hopeful message about finding human connection in unexpected places.
As Fraser continues his remarkable career, he finds himself balancing intimate character studies with blockbuster possibilities. His upcoming projects demonstrate his versatility as an actor, and fans eagerly await the release of "Pressure" and potential future collaborations.
Fraser was drawn to the project's unique premise, which explores the concept of rental families - three hundred agencies operating in Tokyo since the 1980s. These agencies serve a specific need: providing people with a sense of connection and human interaction. "Sometimes people just want you to look them in the eye and let them know that you know they exist, and that's enough," Fraser says.
Fraser has found his own personal connection to loneliness, which he describes as an experience that takes on particular dimensions in the public eye. He acknowledges that having company doesn't necessarily alleviate feelings of loneliness. In fact, he thinks people can identify with feeling alone, even when surrounded by others.
The film's director, Hikari, shares Fraser's sensibilities and has brought personal investment to the material. She is her namesake - meaning "light, fire, energy" - and her approach to storytelling resonates with Fraser.
Fraser finds himself questioning the ethics of AI-generated content in acting roles. He believes it's a form of plagiarism, as artists are manipulating their image, voice, or likeness without permission. The debate on AI in acting highlights the need for more regulation and respect for creative work.
In addition to his work on 'Rental Family,' Fraser is set to star in the upcoming film "Pressure" from Focus Features, about the D-Day invasion. He also has potential plans to return to the "Mummy" franchise, which he hopes will come to fruition.
Fraser offers words of encouragement for those struggling with loneliness and isolation during the holiday season. He suggests that asking for help is crucial in overcoming apathy. The film 'Rental Family' explores this theme and provides a hopeful message about finding human connection in unexpected places.
As Fraser continues his remarkable career, he finds himself balancing intimate character studies with blockbuster possibilities. His upcoming projects demonstrate his versatility as an actor, and fans eagerly await the release of "Pressure" and potential future collaborations.