Brendan Fraser, star of the highly anticipated upcoming film “Pressure,” will serve as honorary starter for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, waving the green flag Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Written and directed by Anthony Maras, “Pressure” follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower, played by Fraser, and Captain James Stagg, played by Andrew Scott, in the tense 72 hours before D-Day. With the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, “Pressure” follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice: launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

Watch the trailer for the film, debuting in theatres May 29, 2026 with nationwide special sneak peeks over Memorial Day Weekend.

“Brendan stars in a movie about one of the most pivotal moments in World War II,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.”His presence atop the flag stand is fitting as we honour the service and sacrifice of our military heroes on Memorial Day Weekend and prepare for another iconic edition of the world’s greatest race.

“Brendan was also born in the Circle City, and we’re incredibly excited to give him a warm Hoosier welcome as he returns for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”

Fraser’s nuanced performances and compelling role choices have earned widespread acclaim. Fraser starred in Darren Aronofsky’s, The Whale, which premiered in December 2022 and earned him several awards including his first Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, a Critics Choice Movie Award, SAG Award, AACTA International Award, Satellite Award, and nominations for a BAFTA Award, and Gotham Independent Film Award.

Fraser is most well-known for his role in Universal’s Mummy franchise as Rick O’Connell. Stephen Sommers’ 1999 action/horror adventure was an ambitious retooling of the 1932 horror classic, with Brendan cast as an American serving in the French Foreign Legion who becomes involved with an English archaeological expedition and the ancient secrets they unleash. In 2001, Fraser reteamed with Sommers and co-star Rachel Weisz in the sequel, The Mummy Returns. In 2008, Universal released Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. The franchise has grossed $1.415 billion worldwide.

Brendan was born in Indianapolis and raised in Europe and Canada. He has been dedicated to honing his craft since the early age of 12 and began attending theatre when his family lived in London. He attended high school at Toronto’s Upper Canada College and received a BFA in acting from the Actor’s Conservatory, Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Visit ims.com for more information on the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 and the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.

Focus Features x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of PRESSURE in Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Please see screening details below: 

Monday, May 25th 7:00 PM Scotiabank Toronto
Monday, May 25th 7:00 PM Scotiabank Chinook
Monday, May 25th 7:00 PM Scotiabank Ottawa

Synopsis:

n the hours before D-Day, one decision changed the world. Based on the untold true story. PRESSURE is only in theaters May 29, starring Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis. Watch the trailer now. In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, Pressure follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, X or INSTAGRAM and in the comments, indicate your City. Tag 1 friend in the comments you’re taking with you! You must be following in the event we need to message you.

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In theatres May 29, 2026.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release
Pressure In Theatres on May 29, 2026. Today we get a new Trailer.

Directed By: Anthony Maras
Written By: David Haig and Anthony Maras
Produced By: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Cass Marks, Lucas Webb
Executive Produced By: Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, Anthony Maras, Angela Moneke, Sheeraz Shah
Cast: Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina, Damian Lewis
Synopsis: In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, PRESSURE follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release
Pressure In Theatres on May 29th

Directed By: Anthony Maras
Written By: David Haig and Anthony Maras
Produced By: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Cass Marks, Lucas Webb
Executive Produced By: Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, Anthony Maras, Angela Moneke, Sheeraz Shah
Cast: Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina, Damian Lewis
Synopsis: In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, PRESSURE follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

Discover a heartfelt story of empathy and human connection when Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family begins streaming on Hulu on Disney+ on February 18, 2026.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family stars Academy Awards®–winning Brendan Fraser as a once-promising American actor searching for purpose and belonging in a society where he feels increasingly adrift. An unexpected acting call leads him to a “rental family” agency, where he is hired to step into surrogate roles for strangers seeking connection. As performance blurs into reality, the experience awakens his empathy and compassion, drawing him deeply into his clients’ lives and pulling him off-script whenever his heart takes over.

Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family from HIKARI has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Following its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, it went on to win numerous festival audience awards including at the Chicago, Woodstock, Middleburg, Hawaii and Heartland Film Festivals. The film was praised as “universally resonant” (Clayton Davis, Variety) and “poignant and humorous” (Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter). It is Rotten Tomatoes® Verified Hot with a 96% Popcornmeter score and holds an 88% Certified Fresh Tomatometer rating from critics.

Directed, co-written and produced by HIKARI, Rental Family also stars Emmy® nominee Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, newcomer Shannon Mahina Gorman, who was nominated for a CCA Award for her performance in the film, and iconic actor Akira Emoto. With a screenplay by HIKARI and Stephen Blahut, the film is produced by Sight Unseen Pictures’ Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev, as well as Knockonwood’s Shin Yamaguchi.

Film Synopsis
Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

tiff50 selection RENTAL FAMILY opens in theatres officially November 21, 2025.

Synopsis:

Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

Directed by: 

HIKARI

Screenplay by: 

HIKARI, Stephen Blahut

Produced by: 

Eddie Vaisman, p.g.a, Julia Lebedev, p.g.a, HIKARI, p.g.a, Shin Yamaguchi, p.g.a

Cast: 

Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, and Akira Emoto

Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

Searchlight Pictures release RENTAL FAMILY November 21, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

It’s giving a bit of LOST IN TRANSLATION energy! Brendan Fraser stars in TIFF ’25 selection RENTAL FAMILY. Today, we get a new Trailer for this Hikari film!

Set against modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexitiesof his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

Directed by: HIKARI

Screenplay by: HIKARI, Stephen Blahut

Produced by: Eddie Vaisman, p.g.a, Julia Lebedev, p.g.a, HIKARI, p.g.a, Shin Yamaguchi, p.g.a

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, and Akira Emoto

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, is delighted to announce the first group of honourees of the seventh annual TIFF Tribute Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to cinema and serving as the kick-off to awards season. Academy Award–winning Mexican-born filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will receive the TIFF Ebert Director Award, two-time Academy Award winner and boundary-defying artist Jodie Foster will receive the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, award-winning Japanese writer, director, and producer HIKARI will receive the TIFF Emerging Talent Award; and award-winning South Korean actor Lee Byung Hun is the recipient of a TIFF Special Tribute Award, attending TIFF this year with the North American Gala premiere of Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. Academy Award–winning actor and 2022 Tribute Performer Award recipient Brendan Fraser will return to the Tribute Awards as the 2025 Honorary Chair. The seventh annual TIFF Tribute Awards will take place on Sunday, September 7, at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s recipients, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape: from the commanding talent of Lee Byung Hun; the visionary imagination of maestro Guillermo del Toro; the evocative storytelling of HIKARI; to the incomparable career of actor, filmmaker, and icon Jodie Foster. We’re honoured to welcome these exceptional artists to Toronto for the seventh annual Tribute Awards,” said Bailey. “We’re also delighted to welcome back Brendan Fraser, our 2022 Tribute Performer Award recipient, as this year’s Honorary Chair, a beloved artist and past honouree whose warmth, generosity, and passion for storytelling truly embody the spirit of our Festival.”

“I’m honoured to return to Toronto once again and to the TIFF Tribute Awards, this time not as a recipient, but as this year’s Honorary Chair,” said Fraser. “TIFF has been meaningful to me and to be in this role during the Festival’s landmark 50th edition is a privilege. TIFF continues to champion the kind of bold storytelling that brings people together, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this year’s Tribute recipients.”

The TIFF Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser and a world-class celebration of cinematic excellence. Proceeds support TIFF’s 50th anniversary campaign, Transform Together, advancing TIFF’s talent development, honouring visionary artists, and deepening community impact. Presented in partnership with Rolex, with support from RBC, Don Julio, and Fairmont Royal York.

2025 TIFF Tribute Awards Honourees

Guillermo del Toro — TIFF Ebert Director Award, presented by The Tory Family

Guillermo del Toro is attending the Festival with a Gala Presentation of his anticipated live-action feature, Frankenstein. His relationship with TIFF started with his debut feature Cronos (TIFF ’93) and continued throughout the years with Mimic (TIFF ’97), The Devil’s Backbone (TIFF ’01), Pan’s Labyrinth (TIFF ’06), and his People’s Choice Award–winning The Shape of Water (TIFF ’17), which was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture and Best Director. Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to Canadian cinema, del Toro curated a TIFF Cinematheque series celebrating Canadian horror earlier this month and was recently honoured with a ceremonial key to the City of Toronto. Named after legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the honour previously known as the Golden Thumb Award has gone to celebrated visionaries such as Martin Scorsese, Claire Denis, Ava DuVernay, Wim Wenders, and the late Agnès Varda. Becoming part of the Tribute event in 2019, past recipients include Mike Leigh (2024), Spike Lee (2023), Sam Mendes (2022), Denis Villeneuve (2021), Chloé Zhao (2020), and Taika Waititi (2019).

Jodie Foster – TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, presented by Joanna Griffiths and the Women of Knix

In a career spanning over 50 years, Jodie Foster is one of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her generation. Her powerful performance in Nyad, which earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Academy Awards, had its World Premiere at TIFF ’23. She now makes her return to the Festival (following The Brave One at TIFF ’07) with Rebecca Zlotowski’s Private Life, a French psychological mystery in which she plays a therapist. A groundbreaker both on and off the screen, Foster has not only built a legacy of complex, powerful performances, including her Oscar-winning roles in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, but has also championed women filmmakers throughout her directing career, with films like Little Man Tate and Home for the Holidays, among others. The TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award is presented by Joanna Griffiths and the Women of Knix; and is inspired by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, created to address gender parity in the film industry, to champion women at every stage of their creative journey, and to shine a spotlight on women creators making a significant difference in the industry. Past recipients are Cate Blanchett (2024), Patricia Arquette (2023), and Michelle Yeoh (2022).

HIKARI — TIFF Emerging Talent Award, presented by Amazon MGM Studios

Writer, director, and producer HIKARI makes her second appearance at TIFF with the World Premiere of her sophomore feature Rental Family, starring Tribute chair Brendan Fraser. Her debut feature 37 Seconds (TIFF ’19) received the Panorama Audience Award and the CICAE Award at the 69th Berlinale, among other international accolades. Having directed for both film and television, her recent credits include Beef and Tokyo Vice. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios, this award is in the spirit of Torontonian Mary Pickford, the groundbreaking actor, producer, and co-founder of United Artists, whose impact continues today. Past recipients include Durga Chew-Bose (2024), Carolina Markowicz (2023), Sally El Hosaini (2022), Danis Goulet (2021), Tracey Deer (2020), and Mati Diop (2019).

Lee Byung Hun — TIFF Special Tribute Award

A global sensation, Lee Byung Hun has achieved massive success across film and television in both South Korea and Hollywood. Before breaking out internationally, he starred in Joint Security Area and A Bittersweet Life, and went on to Korean blockbusters and global hits like Squid Game, G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, Red 2, Terminator Genisys, and The Magnificent Seven. This is Byung Hun’s second appearance at TIFF and his second collaboration with Park Chan-wook. He was last in Toronto for the premiere of Concrete Utopia (TIFF ’23) and participated in an In Conversation with… series. This award is presented to an individual who has made an extraordinary and unique contribution to the world of film, leaving a lasting legacy through their dedication and artistry. Previous recipients include Zhao Tao (2024), Andy Lau (2023), Dionne Warwick (2021), and David Foster (2019).

Brendan Fraser — TIFF Honorary Chair

Brendan Fraser’s nuanced performances and compelling role choices have earned him widespread acclaim. He starred in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale (TIFF ’22) and garnered multiple honours, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and a SAG Award. In HIKARI’s Rental Family, Fraser plays a man hired by a company that provides rental family services, where people are employed to act as stand-ins for friends or relatives. Fraser will next appear in Anthony Maras’ Pressure, portraying Dwight D. Eisenhower, and in 2026, he’ll lend his voice to Tubi’s adult animated comedy Breaking Bear. His other recent work includes Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move, Doom Patrol, Line of Descent, The Secret of Karma, The Poison Rose, Trust, and Condor. Additional credits include Brothers, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, The Affair, and The Field, among many others.

Film Announcement

TIFF will present the North American Premiere of Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, in which Byung Hun stars, as part of the Gala Presentations programme:

No Other Choice | Park Chan-wook | South Korea | Elevation Pictures

North American Premiere | Gala

New this year, Rolex has signed on as the exclusive Presenting Partner of the 2025 TIFF Tribute Awards. RBC, one of TIFF’s long-time Major Sponsors, is a new Supporting Partner. Don Julio and Fairmont Royal York are returning once again as Supporting Partners.

Rolex in Cinema

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminate in defining moments, determined by a path followed, not just an award. For more than half a century, Rolex has partnered with some of the world’s most talented artists and leading cultural institutions to celebrate excellence and promote the transfer of artistic heritage, creating a link between the past, present, and future. Through the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative, a broad portfolio of arts that extends through architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts, the company confirms its long-term commitment to global culture. In all these endeavours, Rolex supports distinction in the arts and the transmission of knowledge to future generations, who in turn pass on the world’s cultural legacy.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. Stay tuned for more TIFF announcements.

Dive in with handsome sea lion pup Leo in Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” streaming on Disney+ beginning April 22, 2025. Narrated by Brendan Fraser, the stunning feature film explores the fascinating world of the Galapagos alongside a host of creatures from land and sea.

CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

In celebration of Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” Disney Conservation Fund is supporting Conservation International, working alongside local organizations to connect more than 1,500 youth with the beauty of the Galápagos and inspire action to reduce ocean plastics for the benefit of marine life like sea lions.

SOUNDTRACK

The “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” Original Score Soundtrack composed by Raphaelle Thibaut will be available on streaming services April 22.

In “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” Leo eventually leaves his mother’s colony to find his own home following swimming lessons, fishing expeditions and some growing up. Male sea lions must fight to earn the best spots, and only the strongest will become beachmasters. Leo’s lifelong quest is fraught with challenges and filled with new encounters with an array of creatures, from marine iguanas and racer snakes to yellow fin tuna and huge Galapagos sharks. The archipelago is Leo’s playground—overland and underwater—but he must stay vigilant to find his place in the world. Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” is directed by Wilson, co-directed by Keith Scholey, and produced by Wilson, Scholey and Roy Conli, the adventure features music by composer Raphaelle Thibaut.

ALSO STREAMING APRIL 22

Narrated by Blair Underwood, Disneynature’s “Guardians of the Galápagos” goes behind the scenes with the crew of “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” to showcase not just the production of a film, but the world that inspired it. In their quest to relay the story of a young sea lion pup named Leo, the Disneynature team battles seasickness, searing heat and extreme diving conditions. Their efforts, however, are rewarded, capturing rarely seen sea lion behaviors—from playful pups and surfing teenagers to adult bulls hunting gigantic yellowfin tuna. Global challenges threaten the archipelago, including invasive species, pollution, illegal fishing and increasingly frequent El Niño events. The film spotlights the growing community of champions—the true Guardians of the Galápagos —who work to protect the islands, supporting environmental campaigns, cleaning beaches, restoring corals and helping local children experience this magical place. Directed by Filer and produced by Filer, Keith Scholey, Hugh Wilson and Roy Conli, “Guardians of the Galápagos” streams alongside “Sea Lions of the Galápagos” on Disney+ on April 22, 2025.