Taika Waititi's Klara and the Sun Premieres: Jenna Ortega Plays an Android Companion

Taika Waititi's adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel Klara and the Sun premiered this week ahead of its theatrical release beginning 22 and 23 October 2026. The film stars Jenna Ortega as Klara, an outdated artificial-friend android programmed to prevent loneliness, who is purchased by teenager Josie and her mother Chrissy to help a grieving household navigate loss. Amy Adams plays Chrissy, with Mia Tharia as Josie, supported by Natasha Lyonne and Steve Buscemi. Waititi co-wrote and produced the film, calling it probably his most dramatic project and stressing his aim to keep the profound feeling and drama from Ishiguro's novel. He described its relevance as vital because society is now on the cusp of losing control of its relationship with technology. On the same premiere red carpet, Ishiguro separately confirmed a secret original project co-developed with director Tim Burton set in post-World War II Japan, making this one of the most active weeks for Ishiguro in cinema history.