Sony Cancels Klara and the Sun International Release Following Poor US Opening

Sony Pictures has officially canceled the international theatrical rollout of Klara and the Sun following a dismal domestic opening. The decision marks a significant retreat for the high-profile science fiction adaptation, which has struggled to find an audience despite the star power of Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.

The film, directed and co-written by Taika Waititi, arrived in North American theaters on October 23, 2026, but failed to meet even modest commercial expectations. During its opening weekend, it earned just $701,059 across 880 theaters. This resulted in a meager per-location average of roughly $797, a figure that signaling a lack of momentum for a wide global release. According to box office data from The Numbers, the film’s performance ranks among the lowest for a major studio production in its category this year.

Low theater averages prompted a shift away from a global theatrical rollout.

The domestic failure appears to have prompted an immediate shift in Sony’s global strategy. In markets like Spain, the film was unceremoniously removed from the “Coming Soon” section of the studio’s official website just days before its scheduled debut. Broader European and international releases have been scrapped in favor of an accelerated move to digital platforms.

Critical Reception and Creative Misfires

Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, the project was initially viewed as a prestigious collaboration between an acclaimed author and a popular director. However, critical reception following its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, was overwhelmingly negative. The film currently holds a 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 30 on Metacritic, with many reviews citing a disconnect between the source material’s nuanced themes and Waititi’s directorial style.

This reception follows a string of divisive projects for Waititi, whose recent work has faced increased scrutiny compared to his earlier successes. For Ortega, the film’s performance highlights a rare stumble in a career otherwise defined by the massive success of Wednesday and the Scream franchise. Industry analysts suggest the film’s niche, experimental nature may have alienated the younger, broader fan base typically associated with Ortega’s projects.

Future Availability

With the theatrical window effectively closed, Sony is expected to lean on its existing distribution deals to recoup losses.

The cancellation of the international run suggests that the studio is prioritizing cost-saving measures over further marketing expenses in overseas markets. For viewers outside of North America, the only opportunity to see the film will likely be through Video on Demand (VOD) services or eventual streaming availability.

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