Director Taika Waititi has announced that his upcoming film, Klara And The Sun, will be released this year, with discussions underway about a potential festival premiere. The adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel is expected to be a significant feature for Sony Pictures and is already picture locked.
Details on the Film’s Production and Plot
Klara And The Sun, adapted by Dahvi Waller from Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, tells the story of a robot girl created to ease loneliness who aims to help a family grappling with loss. The film was shot in New Zealand earlier in 2024 and stars Jenna Ortega in the leading role alongside Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi, Mia Tharia, Natasha Lyonne, and Simon Baker.
The production is a collaboration between Garrett Basch and David Heyman for Heyday Films in the UK, while Waititi represents Sony’s 3000 Pictures. Sony Pictures Releasing will handle distribution in the United States.
Waititi shared with Screen during the Sundance Festival that the film is complete, stating,
“coming soon, this year for sure.”
He also revealed ongoing conversations with Sony regarding the film’s release timing and potential festival showings:
“We’ve just been talking with Sony about when and where, we’re thinking about festivals and stuff like that,”
confirming the film’s readiness for audiences.
Parallel Spotlight on Sundance Premiere Film Fing
At the Sundance Film Festival, the Australian-UK co-produced film Fing also premiered. Directed by Jeffrey Walker, Fing adapts a children’s book by British comedian David Walliams and marks its first Australian filming. The story follows two librarians who embark on a quest for a rare creature called a Fing to fulfill their demanding daughter’s wishes.
The production involved UK’s King Bert Productions and Australia’s Story Bridge Films, with Jo Sargent and Todd Fellman overseeing production. The movie was filmed at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, benefiting from the region’s locations and financial incentives. Sargent highlighted these advantages:
“One thing we got from Queensland was amazing locations that we would never get in the UK, so that was one of the reasons we went there,”
adding that creative alignment and financial benefits played a crucial role.
Fing features a cast including Iona Bell, Mia Wasikowska, Blake Harrison, Penelope Wilton, David Walliams, and Waititi, who plays the villainous Viscount, an animal park owner intent on capturing the rare Fing.
Controversy Surrounding David Walliams
David Walliams was absent from the Sundance premiere amid serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour and harassment towards junior female staff, which were reported by The Telegraph. These allegations led to Walliams’ split from his longtime publisher, HarperCollins UK, but the comedian has denied the claims. When questioned on Walliams’ conduct, director Jeffrey Walker, producer Jo Sargent, and co-writer Kevin Cecil chose not to comment.
Festival Circuit and Industry Impact
The Sundance Film Festival, running until February 1, remains a pivotal platform for films like Klara And The Sun and Fing to attract attention ahead of wider releases. Taika Waititi’s confirmation of his film’s completion and upcoming release adds anticipation for audiences and Sony’s slate this year.
As Klara And The Sun prepares for its public debut, its adaptation of a compelling story centered on technology and humanity is poised to spark conversations, while Fing’s successful cross-continental production highlights growing collaboration in film industries across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
