Sony Pictures Unveils Trailer for Taika Waititis Klara and the Sun - Jenna Ortega Leads Cast
The trailer spotlights Jenna Ortega in the title role and confirms the film’s October 23 theatrical debut.
Klara and the Sun is a science‑fiction comedy‑drama adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name. The book, which was long‑listed for the 2021 Booker Prize, follows a solar‑powered artificial friend—an “Artificial Friend” or AF—named Klara who is chosen by a sickly child, Josie, to be her companion. Sony’s trailer presents Klara as a curious, hopeful robot who seeks a perfect home.
The film is directed and co‑written by Taika Waititi, who previously directed What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit, and the superhero movies Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. Waititi’s involvement signals a blend of humor and pathos that mirrors the tone of Ishiguro’s narrative.
In the trailer’s synopsis, Klara meets Josie, portrayed by Mia Tharia, and the two instantly sense a kindred spirit. Josie’s relationship with her mother, played by Amy Adams, is fraught, and the family has endured significant loss. Klara’s “innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty” are shown as a source of healing for the family, bringing light into Josie’s complicated world. The cast also includes Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne.
Sony’s release notes that the film will be rated PG‑13 by the Motion Picture Association for thematic elements, some violence, and strong language. The trailer was first shown at CinemaCon and subsequently posted on Sony’s official YouTube channel.
Jenna Ortega, known for her work as Wednesday Addams on Netflix’s Wednesday, will also appear in the third season of that series. Ortega’s involvement in Klara and the Sun adds a new dimension to her growing filmography, which includes roles in Scream (2022), X (2022), and Scream VI (2023).
The release schedule places Klara and the Sun in the October 2026 window, a period that also hosts other major studio releases. Sony’s announcement comes as part of a broader strategy to diversify its slate with literary adaptations that blend speculative elements with human drama.
Industry observers note that the film’s source material—an Ishiguro novel—has a history of successful adaptations, including The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go. Waititi’s direction is expected to bring a distinct visual style and tonal balance to the story.
Sony’s marketing campaign for the film has focused on the trailer’s emotional core and the unique premise of a robot seeking companionship. The studio has not yet released a full cast list beyond the names mentioned, nor has it provided a detailed production timeline.
As of now, the only confirmed dates are the trailer release on June 22 and the theatrical opening on October 23. No additional release windows, such as streaming or home‑video, have been announced.
The film’s development and release are being tracked by industry analysts who are interested in how Sony will position a literary adaptation in a crowded market. The combination of a respected author, a high‑profile director, and a rising star in Ortega is expected to generate interest among both mainstream audiences and fans of speculative fiction.
In summary, Sony Pictures has confirmed Klara and the Sun as a forthcoming theatrical release, with a trailer that highlights Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of a solar‑powered robot and the film’s emotional narrative. The October 23 opening follows a trailer debut that showcased the film’s cast and thematic focus. Further details, including distribution plans beyond theaters, remain to be announced.