Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Jenna Ortega has been acting professionally since 2012 when she appeared as “Girl” in the TV sitcom Rob. Since that time, she has played in everything from Disney Channel sitcoms to horror pictures, but Klara and the Sun might be her toughest role yet. Will she shine? Of course she will.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

  • Jenna Ortega and Natasha Lyonne look great in Klara and the Sun (Watch the trailer!)
  • Weekend Top 10 movies
  • Movies opening this weekend
  • Quick reviews
  • Upcoming releases
Jenna Ortega and Natasha Lyonne in "Klara and the Sun"
Jenna Ortega and Natasha Lyonne in Klara and the Sun. (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Although Jenna Ortega has played many roles in her TV and movie careers, she is best known for smashing the role of goth girl Wednesday Adams in the Netflix TV series, Wednesday. But she turns 180 degrees with the role of a cheery and emotional Artificial Friend in Klara and the Sun.

Based on Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel of the same name, this movie’s main character is Klara, an Artificial Friend. She has been passed over by consumers many times and sincerely wants to find the perfect home. Klara is smart but simple-minded and she has an unusual relationship with the Sun. She is solar-powered and relies on the Sun, but she also talks to it as if it were a god.

When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), the two immediately sense a kindred spirit in the other. But living in Josie’s home could prove to be a real challenge. The teenager and her mother Chris (Amy Adams) have a difficult relationship, and they’ve suffered a great loss. But Klara’s innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty will begin to heal the family and bring light to Josie’s complicated world.

Two teen girls look at each other in front of a window in a bedroom.
Mia Tharia and Jenna Ortega in Klara and the Sun, (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Judging by the newly released trailer, Klara and the Sun looks promising. The comedy/drama is directed by Taika Waititi who co-wrote the screenplay with Dahvi Waller.

When it comes to immersing yourself in your work, Waititi is all in. He has served as a writer, actor and director for Thor: Love and Thunder, Jojo Rabbit, What We Do in the Shadows (both the movie and the TV series) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Sadly, his name isn’t mentioned in the credits for an acting role in this movie. However, the cast list also includes Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne who looks like she is having the time of her life.

Klara and the Sun opens in theaters on October 23, 2026. It is rated PG-13 by The Motion Picture Association for thematic elements, some violence and strong language.


Movie poster for "Toy Story 5"
(Disney/Pixar)
Movie poster for "Disclosure Day"
(Universal)
A guy looking at his phone in his car in front of his girlfriend's house - "Obession"
(Focus Features)

For the Weekend of June 19-21, 2026*.

  1. Toy Story 5 / $160,000,000
  2. Disclosure Day / $17,000,000
  3. Obsession $14,200,000
  4. Backrooms / $7,311,311
  5. Scary Movie / $6,700,000
  6. Masters of the Universe / $5,599,542
  7. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu / $3,900,000
  8. Leviticus / $2,747,500
  9. The Death of Robin Hood / $2,185,000
  10. Michael / $2,185,000

*According to Comscore.


OPENING THIS WEEKEND

  • Supergirl
  • Jackass: Best and Last

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UPCOMING RELEASES

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  • July 17: The Odyssey, Cut Off
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  • August 21: Mutiny, Spa Weekend
  • August 28: The Dog Stars, Finding Emily, Coyote vs. Acme, Dark Matter

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