Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
Jenna Ortega Says ‘Klara and the Sun’ Urges People to Put Down Their Phones
‘Klara and the Sun’ premiered at the London Film Festival in London, with Jenna Ortega, who plays the title character, among the cast at the event.
The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel and is set in a future where genetic engineering has divided people into social classes.
Ortega plays Klara, an artificial companion bought for an ill girl named Josie, played by Mia Tharia.
Ortega said the story may encourage people to focus on one another and put down their phones.
Klara learns from the real world, unlike today’s AI, Ortega said, and the filmmakers aimed to portray her in a more human way.
Ishiguro said public awareness and attitudes about AI have changed since his novel was published, but the film is not a story about a friendly AI turning sinister.
Waititi also urged people to connect and be present, while the film’s premiere brought its cast and creators together in London.
Jenna Ortega said she hopes “Klara and the Sun” encourages people to focus on one another and put down their phones and computers.
She made the comments at the film’s world premiere at the London Film Festival.
Taika Waititi, who directed the film, also said its message is to put the phone down and connect with people.
The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel and stars Ortega as an artificial companion named Klara.
The film’s reviews in The Independent and The Guardian were critical of its adaptation and tone.
- Who
- Jenna Ortega, star of “Klara and the Sun,” spoke about the film’s message.
- What
- She said she hopes it encourages people to be present and focus on one another rather than their phones and computers.
- When
- Thursday night, October 15, 2026.
- Where
- The film’s world premiere at the London Film Festival in London.
- Why
- Ortega said the film can remind people to live in the moment amid AI and all-consuming technology.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Premiere
- World premiere at the London Film Festival in London
- Date
- October 15, 2026
- Director
- Taika Waititi
- Source novel
- Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling 2021 novel
- Ortega’s role
- Klara, an artificial android companion
4 sources
Jenna Ortega Says She Hopes ‘Klara and the Sun’ Encourages People to ‘Put Down the Computers and Phones’ as Dystopian Film World Premieres in London
Klara and the Sun review – Sci-fi comedy is yet another misfire for Jenna Ortega
Rita Ora steals the show in a kooky black lace gown and a huge headpiece as she supports husband Taika Waititi and star Jenna Ortega at Klara And The Sun premiere
Klara and the Sun review – Taika Waititi’s manic pixie dream robot sci-fi is a sentimental mess
What people are saying
I think we gotta put our focus on one another and put down the computers and phones
Remember to be present and to appreciate people while they’re standing right in front of you
I would just like people to remember what friendship is, connect with people and just be