Brendan Fraser has always had a warm, refreshingly sincere presence, both on and off screen. But during a recent conversation about his new film Rental Family, he casually dropped one of the most unexpected confessions of his career—he once rented a hedgehog. Even more surprising? He brought it up like it was the most ordinary thing in the world.
When asked why, Fraser flashed the familiar mischievous smile that audiences have loved for over three decades. He then gave the most heartfelt explanation: he simply wanted to sit with a hedgehog and watch it eat a mealworm. This blend of curiosity, humor, and pure sincerity perfectly reflects the tone of Rental Family, a film that embraces honesty over cynicism—an increasingly rare combination in today’s cinema.
A Story Rooted in Earnestness: ‘Rental Family’
In Rental Family, directed by Hikari, Fraser plays Phillip Vandarploeug, a struggling American actor trying to make a life in Tokyo. Phillip’s claim to fame is a quirky toothpaste commercial in which he battles plaque as a superhero riding a flying toothbrush—a role that made him recognizable but far from successful.
When Phillip gets an offer to work for a unique agency that rents out actors to play roles in clients’ personal lives, his world takes an unexpected turn. His first assignment is to pose as a groom so a woman can secretly marry her partner without facing judgment from her conservative family.
His next assignment carries even deeper emotional weight. Phillip is hired to act as the father of a young girl named Mia (played by Shannon Mahina Gorman) so she can appear to come from a “complete family” in front of a strict school board. The complication? Mia begins believing Phillip may actually be her long-lost father, and their emotional connection grows stronger with every encounter—despite Phillip knowing the arrangement will eventually end.
How Winning an Oscar Changed Fraser’s Career Choices
Fraser shared that his Oscar win for The Whale opened new doors and expanded his “bandwidth” for selecting projects that genuinely resonate with him. He emphasized that there’s no “magic wand” after a major award; the industry isn’t suddenly easy. But it does sharpen the types of stories he wants to tell—stories like Rental Family, which focuses on emotional truth, vulnerability, and the blurry line between performance and reality.
He also reflected on how cinema can indirectly inspire social awareness. After The Whale released, the Obesity Action Coalition saw a spike in people reaching out for help—proof that films can empower people to take emotional steps they’ve long avoided, even if they’re not made as public service messages.
Why a Hedgehog? The Heart Behind the Humor
As the conversation shifted to Japan’s culture of renting things—from pets to companions—Fraser mentioned renting a hedgehog simply because he wanted the experience. That moment mirrors the very moral questions at the heart of Rental Family:
What happens when temporary arrangements accidentally create real emotional bonds?
Where is the line between performance and genuine connection?
These questions drive the film, and Fraser credits the director for exploring them with depth and sincerity, without drifting into sentimentality.
Is ‘The Mummy 4’ Really Happening? Fraser Responds
Fans of Fraser’s beloved character Rick O’Connell have been buzzing after reports surfaced that a new Mummy film might be in the works. Fraser addressed the rumors by confirming that the reports circulating are “spec pieces,” but he didn’t deny the possibility. With a smile, he hinted that if he could speak openly, he would likely confirm what fans already hope.
Fraser acknowledged that the Mummy franchise holds a special place in people’s hearts. At fan conventions, he often meets attendees with Mummy merchandise, Egyptian-inspired tattoos, and even one man who had Fraser’s face from the film tattooed on his calf.
Generations who grew up watching the Mummy films now introduce them to their children, keeping the series alive. Fraser finds it moving that many fans credit the films with inspiring their careers in archaeology, history, and even library science.
His Unforgettable ‘SNL’ Wig Moment
Comedian Molly Shannon recently recalled one of her favorite Saturday Night Live memories— a sketch where Fraser’s wig accidentally fell off. Fraser laughed when he heard she mentioned it and remembered the chaos on set: everyone breaking character, cue cards flying, and the audience roaring with laughter. Even the crew member holding the cue cards frantically motioned for him to stay on script.
Fraser said the best approach was simply to embrace the accident, lean into the humor, and carry on—an approach he applies in life and in acting.
Why ‘Rental Family’ Feels Like a Movie From the 1990s
Fraser noted that Rental Family resembles the heartfelt, character-driven films of the 1990s—stories without villains, explosions, or big-budget spectacle. Instead, the film explores the internal conflicts of ordinary people. The biggest “villain” in the story, Fraser admits, is apathy: the fear of taking action, the hesitation to ask for help, and the reluctance to change what we dislike about our lives.
Phillip begins the film as an uncertain, somewhat awkward actor with low confidence. But as he grows closer to Mia, his emotional walls crumble. Fraser described how the authenticity of the young actress Shannon Gorman brought warmth and truth to their scenes—sometimes requiring “no acting at all.”
A Film With Heart—And Hope for the Fans
Fraser hopes Rental Family finds the audience it deserves, especially at a time when theaters are dominated by big-budget franchises. He joked that anyone who can’t get tickets to Wicked on opening weekend should give Rental Family a chance, especially if they need a break from family stress during the holidays.
As for The Mummy 4? Fraser remains hopeful—and fans remain eager.