The first trailer for Klara and the Sun, the highly anticipated sci-fi drama from acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi, has officially arrived, offering audiences their first glimpse at an emotional story about artificial intelligence, friendship and human connection.
Based on Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, the film stars Jenna Ortega as Klara, a solar-powered Artificial Friend designed to combat loneliness in a near-future world. The adaptation is set to arrive exclusively in cinemas on 23 October 2026.
The newly released trailer introduces viewers to Klara, an advanced AI companion who dreams of finding a home and forming a meaningful bond with a human family. Her opportunity comes when she is purchased for Josie, a teenager suffering from a mysterious illness.
As Klara becomes part of Josie’s life, she discovers the complexities of love, grief and sacrifice, while believing that the sun — the source of her own energy — may hold the key to healing the family.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Ishiguro’s Novel to Life
Directed By: Taika Waititi
Screenplay By: Taika Waititi and Dahvi Waller
Based on the novel by: Kazuo Ishiguro
Produced by:
- David Heyman
- Garrett Basch
- Taika Waititi
Executive Producers:
- Gary Barber
- Alex G. Scott
- Jeffrey Clifford
- Rosie Alison
- Kazuo Ishiguro
Cast:
- Jenna Ortega
- Amy Adams
- Mia Tharia
- Aran Murphy
- Steve Buscemi
- Natasha Lyonne
The project is produced by acclaimed filmmaker David Heyman, known for the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone franchise, alongside Garrett Basch and Waititi himself. Ishiguro also serves as an executive producer.
Jenna Ortega Takes Centre Stage
Following her success in Netflix’s Wednesday, Jenna Ortega steps into one of her most ambitious roles yet. Rather than portraying a conventional robot, Ortega’s Klara is curious, compassionate and deeply observant.
The actress is joined by an impressive cast that includes Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Natasha Lyonne, Steve Buscemi and Aran Murphy.
According to early descriptions, Klara’s journey explores what it truly means to be human, examining themes of loneliness, technology and emotional connection through the eyes of an artificial being.
Taika Waititi’s Most Emotional Film Yet?
Best known for films such as Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi has described Klara and the Sun as one of the most emotionally challenging projects of his career.
Waititi co-wrote the screenplay alongside Dahvi Waller, adapting Ishiguro’s celebrated novel into what appears to be a thoughtful blend of science fiction and family drama. The filmmaker has previously suggested that the story’s exploration of love, loneliness and humanity proved more complex than he initially expected.
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s Bestselling Novel
Originally published in 2021, Klara and the Sun became a global bestseller and was widely praised for its thought-provoking examination of artificial intelligence and human relationships.
The novel follows Klara, an Artificial Friend who observes the world from a store window while waiting to be chosen. Her extraordinary powers of observation become central to a story that explores faith, hope and the limits of technology.
Ishiguro, whose previous works include Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day, serves as an executive producer on the film adaptation.
When Is Klara and the Sun Released?
Klara and the Sun will be released exclusively in cinemas on 23 October 2026 and has received a PG-13 rating for thematic elements, some violence and strong language.
For more information about the film, visit the official Sony Pictures website.
