# Release and reception of Klara and the Sun film

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-klara-and-the-sun-film
> Updated: 2026-10-25T21:34:26.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 5.

The film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel ‘Klara and the Sun’, directed by Taika Waititi, was scheduled for a global theatrical release in late October 2026, with a United States release on October 23, 2026. The dystopian drama follows an ‘Artificial Friend’ named Klara, played by Jenna Ortega, who serves as a companion to a girl named Josie (Mia Tharia) in a society where children are genetically edited.

Following its premiere at the BFI London Film Festival—attended by cast members Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, and Natasha Lyonne, as well as supporter Florence Pugh—the film has faced significant challenges. Critical reception has been mixed to negative, with a critic score of 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have criticized the production for abrupt tonal shifts, suggesting Waititi’s signature humor clashes with the novel’s introspective themes of artificial intelligence and mortality, with some calling the adaptation an ‘empty version’ of the book.

Commercially, the film has seen a disappointing North American debut, earning approximately $725,000 from 880 theaters and failing to reach the domestic weekend top ten. Its performance follows similar uncertainty in other markets, such as Hungary, where the standard theatrical release was withdrawn. Amidst these developments, Waititi also confirmed that his long-anticipated Star Wars project with screenwriter Tony McNamara has been put ‘on ice’ as the director focuses on an undisclosed project.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Klara and the Sun opens to weak North American box office

Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara and the Sun’, starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, earned just $725,000 in its North American debut, failing to enter the weekend top ten amid mixed critical reviews.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klara-and-the-sun-opens-to-weak-north-american-box-office

### 2026-10-17: Taika Waititi faces poor reviews for Klara and the Sun and Star Wars hiatus

Taika Waititi’s new film ‘Klara and the Sun’ has received poor critical reviews, while his upcoming Star Wars project has reportedly been put on hiatus.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taika-waititi-faces-poor-reviews-for-klara-and-the-sun-and-star-wars-hiatus

### 2026-10-15: BFI London Film Festival hosts premiere of Klara and the Sun

Cast members including Amy Adams, Jenna Ortega, and Florence Pugh attended the BFI London Film Festival for the world premiere of Taika Waititi’s “Klara and the Sun.”

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bfi-london-film-festival-hosts-premiere-of-klara-and-the-sun

### 2026-10-15: Klara and the Sun film adaptation starring Jenna Ortega receives mixed reviews

Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Klara and the Sun’, starring Jenna Ortega, has debuted to mixed reviews and a low Rotten Tomatoes score despite high-profile premieres.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jenna-ortega-stars-in-taika-waititis-klara-and-the-sun

### 2026-10-12: Taika Waititi to direct ‘Klara and the Sun’ starring Jenna Ortega

Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Klara and the Sun,’ starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, is scheduled for a global theatrical release in late October 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taika-waititi-to-direct-klara-and-the-sun-starring-jenna-ortega

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Cite as: Release and reception of Klara and the Sun film. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-klara-and-the-sun-film