Dwayne Johnson Moved to Tears by Brendan Fraser’s Rental Family Performance

Brendan Fraser’s recent turn in the comedy-drama Rental Family has left a lasting impression on audiences, but it was Dwayne Johnson who found himself particularly affected. During a candid conversation on Actors on Actors, Johnson admitted that a single line delivered by Fraser in the film brought him to tears, resonating with his own family experiences.

Fraser’s Touching Scene and Johnson’s Emotional Response

In Rental Family, Fraser portrays Phillip Vandarploeug, who, in one poignant moment, comforts an elderly man living with dementia. Johnson, reflecting on this scene, shared how it mirrored his own life, as he is currently supporting a family member with the same condition. He remarked,

I loved the relationship between you two. And I’m dealing with dementia in our family, so I loved this idea that you want to create this moment for him, even if he’s going to forget it, to give him this peace, take him home.

The exchange clearly struck a nerve. Johnson went on to say,

What you say to him rocked me, because it’s what I said to my dad. It’s your version of “I’ll see you again, my friend.” It just moved me. I was getting emotional — I was crying!

Even for someone known as the People’s Champ, the impact of Fraser’s performance was undeniable.

Rental Family’s Unique Approach and Cast Praise

Johnson did not hold back in his praise for the film, describing it as “amazing” and commending the ensemble cast. He singled out Akira Emoto, who played the older man with dementia, calling him “a legend” and noting,

You feel his power onscreen.

The film’s premise, which sees Fraser’s character taking on stand-in roles for strangers through a Japanese agency, was described by Johnson as “so unique and different.”

Directed by Hikari, Rental Family follows Phillip as he navigates the complexities of his unusual job, gradually forming genuine connections with those he is hired to support. The story explores the blurred boundaries between performance and reality, as well as the quiet significance of human connection.

Fraser on Choosing the Role and His Approach

Fraser, best known for his work in action and fantasy, explained his decision to take on such an unconventional part. When asked by Johnson how the script came to him, Fraser replied,

I was just looking for a job, man. It’s all in the title: “Rental Family”? Insert pejorative, cheeky joke here. But it piques your interest. And that’s what this director, Hikari, embraces. She goes toward the prickly side of what that could mean, along with the softer side. The movie lives in between — it’s not cynical. I needed to find something like that.

Pressed further on why he needed a project like this, Fraser revealed that he encountered the script before his Oscar win for The Whale, and insisted that the accolade did not influence his choice. He added,

I think of it two ways. On the one hand, “You better earn this. You got the brass ring but be worthy of it going forward. Uphold the standard if you can.” But also, I felt like I don’t have anything to prove. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to just coast. If anything, I feel like I have to work.

Fraser’s commitment to his craft and willingness to embrace challenging roles have once again demonstrated his range, leaving audiences and fellow actors alike deeply moved by his performance in Rental Family.

Rental Family is currently showing in cinemas.