The first images of Klara and the Sun (2026), the long-awaited film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. The film is directed by Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok (2017)) and features an impressive cast including Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.
A story about an artificial friend
The screenplay was originally written by Dahvi Waller, known from the television series Mrs. America (2020). The story revolves around Klara, a so-called Artificial Friend: an advanced artificial companion who observes people while waiting to be chosen by an owner. From her unique perspective, the story explores themes of love, loneliness, humanity and technology.
A robot girl, designed to combat loneliness, tries to save a broken human family.
Strong cast
The film has a strong cast. For example, Jenna Ortega (Wednesday (2022– )), Amy Adams (Arrival (2016)), Steve Buscemi (Fargo (1996)), Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face (2023–2025)) a Simon Baker (The Mentalist (2008–2015)) a role in the film.
“Most dramatic film to date”
According to Waititi, viewers will get… Klara and the Sun to see a completely different side of him. “This is perhaps my most dramatic film,” he tells Vanity Fair. Initially he wanted to provide the story with his typical humor and light-hearted robot jokes, but he soon realized that that approach did not work. The filmmaker says that during the writing process he recognized that the original material was strong enough and that too much deviation from the book would weaken rather than strengthen the story. Therefore, he decided to stay closer to the spirit of Ishiguro’s novel.
Image via Vanity Fair
Image via Vanity Fair
An important film for Waititi
The film comes at an interesting time in Waititi’s career. The director has had a varied career in recent years. His last Marvel movie Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) divided critics and fans alike, while Next Goal Wins (2023) ultimately received lukewarm to mixed responses after several delays. Also his recent television series Time Bandits (2024) was canceled after one season. As a result Klara and the Sun seen by many as an opportunity for Waititi to once again demonstrate why he was once considered one of the most original filmmakers of his generation.
In theaters this fall
Klara and The Sun is from 29 October 2026 can be seen in Dutch cinemas.
