Klara and the Sun (film)

Klara and the Sun is an upcoming dystopian science fiction film directed by Taika Waititi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Dahvi Waller. It adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name. The film stars Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne. Sony Pictures Releasing will distribute it in the United States.

In a future where genetic engineering has created rigid, isolated social classes, an obsolete companion android named Klara tries to bond with Josie, a sick girl who was bought for her.

The cast includes 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 the Store Manager, Steve Buscemi, Rachel House as Melania (Chrissie’s housekeeper), Harry Greenwood, Sophia Bryant-Taukiri as Sal (Josie’s older sister), and Simon Baker as Josie’s father Paul.

In July 2020, Sony’s 3000 Pictures acquired the screen rights to Ishiguro’s novel, with David Heyman producing for Heyday Films. Dahvi Waller was hired to write the script on March 12, 2021, and Ishiguro signed on as an executive producer. In May 2023, Taika Waititi entered negotiations to direct and produce. By January 2024, Waititi was confirmed as director, and Jenna Ortega was in talks for the lead role. The following month, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Natasha Lyonne, and Simon Baker joined the cast, with Ortega confirmed as Klara. In August 2024, Steve Buscemi was revealed as part of the cast.

Principal photography began in January 2024 under the working title *Tears and Rain*, with scenes shot at Silverlight Studios in Wānaka. Production also took place in Auckland in early April. Adam Gough and Tom Eagles edited the film.

The film is set to premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, before its U.S. release by Sony Pictures Releasing through its Columbia Pictures label.