Director Taika shines light on his electric bestseller adaptation

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s *Klara and the Sun* premiered on October 23, 2026, starring Jenna Ortega as an android called Klara who becomes entwined with a family facing illness. The movie highlights themes of artificial intelligence and human emotion, with Waititi balancing loyalty to the novel and cinematic storytelling, while using sunlight as a key visual and thematic element.

The science-fiction film *Klara and the Sun*, directed by Taika Waititi, premiered in cinemas on October 23, 2026. The movie is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name and features Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, and Mia Tharia in key roles. Ortega plays Klara, an “artificial friend” android who becomes part of the lives of Chrissie and her ailing daughter Josie, portrayed by Adams and Tharia respectively. The narrative explores themes of human nature, family dynamics, and hidden secrets.

Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker, co-wrote the screenplay with Canadian writer Dahvi Waller. He described his approach to adapting the novel as one that balanced fidelity to the source material with the need to allow the story to evolve uniquely for the screen. “Kazuo was very supportive,” Waititi said, explaining that the differences between film and literature require a distinct storytelling approach, noting that sticking too closely to a novel can hinder cinematic adaptation.

A central visual motif in the film is sunlight, which powers Klara and other androids known as “artificial friends.” Waititi emphasized the significance of natural light in the production, saying the team had to carefully schedule filming to capture the sun’s glow, adding both aesthetic appeal and thematic resonance. “You have to plan your day around the light... It’s a really adventurous, cool challenge, and it actually brings everyone together,” he remarked.

Amy Adams, who received an Oscar nomination in her career, reflected on her experience playing Chrissie, a character she described as deeply flawed and grappling with grief and isolation. Adams noted that portraying a mother brought its own set of challenges, including public perception. “I’ve felt more judged playing a mother than a sociopath,” she said. Adams appreciated the opportunity to explore the vulnerability and complexity of her character, highlighting how Chrissie’s interactions with Klara prompt her to confront notions of perfection and allow emotional openness.

For 24-year-old Jenna Ortega, known for her role in *Wednesday*, the film represented a departure from her usual projects. Ortega described *Klara and the Sun* as a “nice freeing project” that offered a fresh creative challenge.

*Klara and the Sun* engages with contemporary questions around artificial intelligence and human relationships, delivering a visually evocative adaptation of Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel through Waititi’s distinct directorial lens.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.