“Rental Family” Blu-ray + DVD Set Released Today, July 1 (Wed)! Focus on Academy Award® Winner Brendan Fraser! His Dedicated Role Preparation in Japan and Comical Unreleased Scenes Revealed!!

The heartwarming film “Rental Family,” starring Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser and drawing significant attention as one of this year's most touching films, will be released today, July 1 (Wed), as a Blu-ray + DVD set.

To commemorate this release, a video featuring Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser discussing his thoughts on the film and his role preparation in Japan has been partially unveiled from the bonus content!

The first half of this video reveals the story behind the creation of the main character, Philip, played by Brendan Fraser, and the numerous efforts he made to perform in Japanese. Director HIKARI recalls being impressed by Fraser's performance in “The Whale” (22), for which he won an Academy Award®, and decided, “He was the only one” for the role. Fraser himself states that he studied Japanese for about three months with a tutor and interpreter before coming to Japan. After arriving in Japan, he continued to refine his role while receiving dialogue coaching, allowing viewers to witness his sincere dedication to bringing realism to the story set in Japan, embodying a protagonist who encounters a different culture, and Fraser himself diving into an unfamiliar language and culture.

The latter half of the video features the filming of a toothpaste commercial where Philip appears in a full-body suit, which led to his life in Japan. Viewers can enjoy the comical world of the commercial as Philip, playing a hero who protects the teeth of Earthlings, repeats his performance multiple times according to the director's instructions. This is valuable footage that depicts a part of Philip's past.

The Blu-ray and digital distribution (purchase) releases include extensive bonus content that fans won't want to miss, such as “Making of ‘Rental Family’” and “Deleted Scenes,” including the footage unveiled today! Please enjoy “Rental Family,” a masterpiece born in Japan and filled with emotions the world is experiencing for the first time, on Blu-ray + DVD Set or via digital distribution (purchase/rental).

True connections born beyond the "role"

The inspiration for “Rental Family” came from the “rental family” services that actually exist in Japan. Director HIKARI learned through interviews that not only the clients but also the actors playing these roles are seeking human connection. Even though they are playing “roles” as family members or lovers, the feelings and bonds exchanged during that time are real. Through a slightly unusual premise, the film warmly depicts people who are grappling with loneliness and loss finding connection and taking new steps forward. It is a work that leaves a gentle, profound emotional resonance, making you want to see someone you cherish after watching it.

“Rental Family”

Now on sale: Blu-ray + DVD Set

Distributor: Walt Disney Japan, Distributor/Seller: Happinet Media Marketing

Digital Distribution (Purchase/Rental)

Distributor: Walt Disney Japan

c 2026 Searchlight Pictures

Official Website: https://www.searchlightpictures.jp/movies/rentalfamily

Story: Philip, a down-on-his-luck actor living in Tokyo, feels a sense of comfort in his life in Japan but is losing sight of his true self. It is then that he encounters a job called “rental family.” By entering other people's lives and playing the role of a family member or friend, he begins to experience an unimaginable "life." What he finds there is "the joy of living."