Ortega and Waititi push for human connection at 'Klara and the Sun' premiere

Key points

• Jenna Ortega stated she hopes the film encourages people to 'put down the computers and phones' and appreciate those around them.
• Taika Waititi echoed this sentiment, urging viewers to remember what friendship is and to 'just be in the moment.'
• The film premiered at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, with a wide cast including Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne, and Steve Buscemi.
• Florence Pugh made a surprise appearance on the red carpet, greeting Ortega and Adams before posing with producer Rachel Forman.
• Kazuo Ishiguro, the author of the source novel, attended the premiere and noted that the film does not address current AI anxieties in the same way as the 2021 book.
• Ishiguro confirmed he is working on a new project with Tim Burton, for which he wrote an original script, though he denied Ortega introduced them.

Background

The premiere occurred shortly after our earlier coverage of the film's critical reception at the London Film Festival. Critics had pummeled the adaptation, describing it as a 'sentimental failure' and a 'tonal mismatch' that failed to capture the subtlety of Ishiguro's dystopian vision. The film holds a Metacritic score of 23, with multiple one-star ratings, raising concerns about Waititi's recent trajectory in Hollywood. Additionally, Jenna Ortega's involvement in 'Wednesday' Season 3, which concluded filming in September 2026, provides background on her current professional focus.

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasized the film's message of human connection and presence, highlighting Ortega's and Waititi's calls to disconnect from technology. Page Six and Deadline focused on the red carpet appearances, noting the attendance of Florence Pugh, Rita Ora, and other cast members. Yahoo's coverage, while largely obscured by technical code, suggested a focus on Ortega's fashion choices, specifically a 'Slinky Torlowei Dress.' In contrast, our archive articles highlighted the overwhelmingly negative critical reception of the film, describing it as a 'sentimental mess' that failed to balance comedic and dramatic elements. This creates a contrast between the promotional messaging of the cast and the critical consensus.

Why it matters

The premiere highlights the tension between the film's intended message of human connection and its critical reception, which suggests a failure to effectively convey the source material's themes. The attendance of high-profile figures like Florence Pugh and Rita Ora underscores the film's industry significance, despite the negative reviews. Ishiguro's confirmation of a new project with Tim Burton also signals his continued involvement in film, potentially influencing future adaptations.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on October 23, 2026, via Sony Pictures. Ishiguro and Tim Burton are expected to move forward with their new project, though details remain limited. The critical reception may impact the film's box office performance and Waititi's future projects.