Klara and the Sun (2026)

Jenna Ortega steps into a radically different role as the titular Klara, an outdated companion android, in Taika Waititi’s upcoming adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel. The film opens in theaters on October 23, 2026, and promises a fresh blend of dystopian sci‑fi and heartfelt drama. The casting shift is stark: Ortega, fresh off her breakout as the sharp‑tongued Wednesday Addams, now portrays a toddler‑like, joy‑filled machine whose only goal is to belong. She joins an ensemble that includes Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Natasha Lyonne and Steve Buscemi, setting the stage for a story that probes identity, connection, and what it means to be human. In the narrative, Klara is purchased by a young girl named Josie, sparking an immediate bond that pulls the android into a family wrestling with loss and a strained mother‑daughter relationship. Clocking in at 116 minutes and rated PG‑13 for drama, comedy and sci‑fi elements, the film balances tender moments with the genre’s usual speculative edge. Industry watchers see Klara and the Sun as a pivotal move for Ortega, showcasing her range beyond the darkly comedic Wednesday. With Waititi’s direction and Ishiguro’s source material, the project could broaden her horizons and cement her status as a versatile talent ready for any genre.