Jenna Ortega to Star in Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara and the Sun’

Sony Pictures has officially unveiled the first look at Klara and the Sun, a dystopian science fiction adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human emotion through the eyes of a solar-powered robot companion.

Release Date and First Look

The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on October 23, 2026, via Sony Pictures Releasing. The first footage of the project debuted during a Sony Pictures Entertainment panel at CinemaCon, where TriStar Pictures president Nicole Brown described Jenna Ortega’s lead performance as “extraordinary.”

Plot and Premise

Based on the bestselling book by Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro, the story is set in a dystopian society where artificially intelligent robots are designed to prevent loneliness among humans. Klara, a robot girl, is purchased by a mother named Chrissie to assist her teenage daughter, Josie. The narrative follows the developing friendship between Klara and Josie as the robot attempts to heal a heartbroken family and save them from “darkness and certain doom.”

Cast and Creative Team

The film features a high-profile ensemble cast and a creative team led by one of cinema’s most distinct voices:

• Director: Taika Waititi, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
• Writer: Dahvi Waller, collaborating with Waititi.
• Lead Cast:
  • Jenna Ortega as Klara
  • Amy Adams as Chrissie (Josie’s mother)
  • Mia Tharia as Josie
  • Simon Baker as Josie’s father
  • Natasha Lyonne as the Manager
  • Steve Buscemi in an undisclosed role

Production Details

Sony’s 3000 Pictures acquired the screen rights to the novel in July 2020. The project is produced by David Heyman of Heyday Films, alongside Jeffrey Clifford, Rosie Alison, and Garrett Basch. Kazuo Ishiguro, the author of the original novel, is serving as an executive producer.

Key Takeaways

• Release Date: October 23, 2026.
• Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction.
• Core Theme: A hopeful story about friendship and connection in an era of isolating technology.
• Source Material: Based on the 2021 novel by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays the lead role in Klara and the Sun?

Jenna Ortega stars as Klara, the solar-powered robot companion.

Who is directing the film?

The film is directed by Taika Waititi, known for his previous directorial work including Next Goal Wins.

What is the movie about?

It follows an AI robot designed to ease human loneliness who forms a deep bond with a sickly girl named Josie and her family.