Brendan Fraser Reveals the Enemy Tougher Than Any Critic After His Oscar Win
Despite his Best Actor Oscar for The Whale, Brendan Fraser says self-doubt still haunts him, shrugging off critics and online snark while admitting his toughest judge is himself.
Brendan Fraser just won an Oscar and is still wrestling with the same thing a lot of actors do: confidence. At the same time, he picked a new role that leans right into that theme, and he’s also eyeing a return to his most crowd-pleasing character. Busy guy, complicated headspace.
Fraser on confidence: the harshest critic is in the mirror
In a new chat with AP News, Fraser said he doesn’t spend energy on reviews or nasty comments. The tough part is his own internal monologue, which he admits can be brutal even after an Oscar win for The Whale.
"I struggle with confidence. I always have, the feeling of not being good enough. Believe me, no one can be harder on me than me. No critic, no pithy internet comment can be more biting to me than myself in my private thoughts."
That candor lands differently when you look at the role he just took on.
Rental Family: Fraser plays a failed actor, on purpose
Hikari’s new film Rental Family opened November 21, 2025, and the response out of the gate has been strong. Fraser plays Phillip Vandarploeug, a washed-up actor who takes a gig pretending to be family for strangers. It’s a high-concept setup that lets the movie blur performance and reality while this guy slowly reconnects with work, purpose, and actual human connection.
Yes, the irony is loud: the guy just won Best Actor for The Whale, and now he’s playing an actor who couldn’t make it. That contrast is part of what makes the pick interesting, and early reactions have singled out Fraser’s performance in particular.
- Director: Hikari
- Cast: Brendan Fraser, Mari Yamamoto, Takehiro Hira
- Release date: November 21, 2025
- IMDb: 7.9/10 (as of now)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (as of now)
- Worldwide box office: $7.3 million (ongoing)
- Production: Sight Unseen Productions
What’s next: The Mummy 4 is coming together
Fans of the 2000s adventure run have reason to perk up. Recent news says The Mummy 4 is in development with Fraser back as Rick O’Connell. He’s been vocal about wanting another crack at this for years, and now he sounds ready to sprint back into the sandstorm.
"But the one I wanted to make is forthcoming. And I’ve been waiting 20 years for this call. Sometimes it was loud, sometimes it was a faint telegraph. Now? It’s time to give the fans what they want."
No release date yet, but some reports point to 2028 or 2029 as a realistic window. Translation: it’s moving, just not tomorrow.
Where to watch
Rental Family is currently playing in theaters in the U.S.