Klara and the Sun
Teaser poster
Directed by Taika Waititi
Screenplay by
  • Taika Waititi
  • Dahvi Waller
Based on Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Produced by
  • David Heyman
  • Garrett Basch
  • Taika Waititi
Starring
  • Jenna Ortega
  • Amy Adams
  • Mia Tharia
  • Aran Murphy
  • Steve Buscemi
  • Natasha Lyonne
Cinematography Mike Berlucchi
Edited by
  • Adam Gough
  • Tom Eagles
Music by Michael Giacchino
Production
companies
  • Columbia Pictures
  • 3000 Pictures
  • Spyglass Media Group
  • Heyday Films
  • Defender Films
  • Piki Films
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing
Release date
  • October 23, 2026 (2026-10-23)
Countries
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • New Zealand
Language English

Klara and the Sun is an upcoming dystopian science fiction film directed by Taika Waititi and written by Waititi and Dahvi Waller, based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel of the same name.[1] It stars Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne.

Klara and the Sun is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 23, 2026, by Sony Pictures Releasing.

Premise

In a dystopian future where technological advances in genetic engineering have divided humans into strict, isolated social classes, an obsolete companion android named Klara tries to bond with Josie, a sick girl for whom she was purchased.

Cast

  • Jenna Ortega as Klara
  • Amy Adams as Chrissie, Josie's mother
  • Mia Tharia as Josie
  • Aran Murphy as Rick, Josie's best-friend and love-interest
  • Natasha Lyonne as Store Manager
  • Steve Buscemi
  • Rachel House as Melania, Chrissie's housekeeper
  • Harry Greenwood
  • Sophia Bryant-Taukiri as Sal, Josie's older sister

Simon Baker was cast as Paul, Josie's father but his scenes were cut from the film.[2]

Production

In July 2020, Sony's 3000 Pictures acquired the screen rights to Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Klara and the Sun,[3] with David Heyman attached to produce for his company Heyday Films.[4] On March 12, 2021, Dahvi Waller was set to write the script, with Ishiguro set to serve as an executive producer.[5][6] In May 2023, Taika Waititi entered negotiations to direct and produce the film.[7]

In January 2024, Waititi was confirmed to direct the film, and Jenna Ortega was in talks to star in the lead role.[8] The next month, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Natasha Lyonne and Simon Baker joined the cast, while Ortega was confirmed to star as Klara.[9][10][11] In August 2024, it was revealed that Steve Buscemi was a part of the cast.[12]

Principal photography began in January 2024 under the working title Tears and Rain, with scenes being shot at Silverlight Studios in Wānaka.[13][14] Production occurred in Auckland in early April.[15] Adam Gough and Tom Eagles edited the film.[16]

Music

In June 2026, it was announced that Michael Giacchino would provide the film's score, marking his fourth collaboration with director Waititi after Jojo Rabbit (2019), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), and Next Goal Wins (2023).[17]

Release

Klara and the Sun is scheduled to be released in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing, through its Columbia Pictures label, on October 23, 2026.[18]

References

  1. ^ "Klara and the Sun". WGA Directory. 30 July 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  2. ^ Lee, Sophie (8 April 2026). "Simon Baker on How Reading an Anthropologist's Account of Taking Peyote Changed His Life Forever". Cultured. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  3. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (27 July 2020). "Sony & Elizabeth Gabler's 3000 Pictures Win Nobel Author Kazuo Ishiguro's Upcoming 'Klara And The Sun'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  4. ^ Comerford, Ruth (29 July 2020). "Film pre-empt for new Ishiguro novel". The Bookseller. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  5. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (12 March 2021). "Sony's 3000 Pictures Sets 'Mrs. America's Dahvi Waller To Adapt Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Klara And The Sun'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Film and TV Projects Going Into Production - Klara and the Sun". Variety Insight. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  7. ^ Kroll, Justin (1 May 2023). "Taika Waititi To Direct 3000 Pictures Adaptation Of Klara And The Sun, Garrett Basch Boards As Producer". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  8. ^ Simich, Richardo (31 January 2024). "Taika Waititi's new movie set to bring more big stars to NZ, Jenna Ortega rumoured - Spy". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  9. ^ Kroll, Justin (1 February 2024). "Amy Adams In Talks To Star Opposite Jenna Ortega In 3000 Pictures Adaptation Of 'Klara and the Sun'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  10. ^ Grobar, Matt (7 February 2024). "Mia Tharia & Aran Murphy Join Amy Adams, Jenna Ortega In Taika Waititi Film Klara And The Sun". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  11. ^ Kroll, Justin (21 February 2024). "Natasha Lyonne And Simon Baker Join 3000 Pictures' 'Klara And The Sun' Adaptation". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  12. ^ Ruiz, Michelle (6 August 2024). "Jenna Ortega Settles Into Fame Ahead of 'Wednesday' Season 2 and a 'Beetlejuice' Sequel". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  13. ^ "Taika Waititi film shoot at Silverlight". Wanaka App. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  14. ^ "Hollywood star tipped for Otago movie". Otago Daily Times. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  15. ^ Walwiri-Smith, Lyric (7 April 2024). "Jenna Ortega, Taika Waititi shut down central Auckland street". Stuff. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Tom Eagles Resume" (PDF). Iconic Talent Agency. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  17. ^ "Michael Giacchino Scoring Taika Waititi's 'Klara and the Sun'". Film Music Reporter. 22 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  18. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (13 April 2026). "Jenna Ortega's 'Klara and the Sun' Gets Release Date and Emotional First Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 April 2026.