The movie Klara and the Sun is a dystopian science fiction drama directed by Taika Waititi and written by Taika Waititi and Dahvi Waller, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The film stars Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi, and Natasha Lyonne. The movie explores a future world where technology and genetic engineering have changed society. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and production details of this highly anticipated film.
Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to help lonely children. When she is purchased to care for a sick girl named Josie, Klara forms a deep bond with her family and embarks on an emotional journey to help save them.
The movie is scheduled to be released on October 23, 2026. It will be distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing through Columbia Pictures.
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When and Where Was Klara and the Sun Filmed?
| Film Name | Klara and the Sun |
|---|---|
| Genres | Science Fiction, Drama, Dystopian |
| Filming Locations | Wānaka, New Zealand; Auckland, New Zealand |
| Filming Dates | January 2024 – April 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Mike Berlucchi |
| Release Date | October 23, 2026 |
Filming for Klara and the Sun began in January 2024 under the working title Tears and Rain. Much of the production took place in New Zealand, with major scenes filmed at Silverlight Studios in Wānaka. Additional filming moved to Auckland during April 2024. The country’s modern facilities and stunning landscapes helped create the film’s futuristic setting.
📍Wānaka, New Zealand
One of the main filming locations for Klara and the Sun was Wānaka, a beautiful town located on New Zealand’s South Island. Production crews used Silverlight Studios, where many of the movie’s interior scenes were filmed. The studio provided controlled environments for creating the film’s futuristic world and advanced technological settings. Wānaka’s surrounding landscapes also offered a unique backdrop that matched the story’s isolated and emotionally driven atmosphere.
📍Silverlight Studios, Wānaka
Principal photography officially began at Silverlight Studios in January 2024. The facility became the production hub for the movie, allowing the filmmakers to build custom sets representing the dystopian future seen in the story. Several scenes involving Klara, Josie, and their family were reportedly filmed within the studio’s specially designed environments.
📍Auckland, New Zealand
After filming in Wānaka, production moved to Auckland in early April 2024. Auckland provided additional urban settings and production resources needed for the film. The city is one of New Zealand’s leading filming destinations and has been used in many international productions. Its modern architecture and diverse locations helped support the movie’s vision of a technologically advanced future society.
Klara and the Sun Behind the Scenes
Production on Klara and the Sun was carried out under the secret working title Tears and Rain. Director Taika Waititi worked closely with the cast and crew to adapt Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel for the big screen.
The movie reunites several notable talents, including Jenna Ortega and Steve Buscemi, who previously worked together on Netflix’s Wednesday. Academy Award-nominated composer Michael Giacchino was also brought on board to create the film’s musical score, marking another collaboration with Waititi.
The cast and crew shared occasional behind-the-scenes updates through interviews and social media during production. More production photos and behind-the-scenes content are expected closer to the film’s release.
For more information about other shooting locations, stay tuned to this post. We will add more updates as they become available.
Is There Any Trailer Available for Klara and the Sun?
Yes, the official trailer for Klara and the Sun has been released and gives viewers their first look at Jenna Ortega as the Artificial Friend, Klara.
Klara and the Sun is set to be released on October 23, 2026, via Sony Pictures Entertainment.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Klara and the Sun filmed?
A1: Klara and the Sun was primarily filmed in Wānaka and Auckland, New Zealand. Much of the production took place at Silverlight Studios in Wānaka.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Silverlight Studios in Klara and the Sun?
A2: Many interior scenes and futuristic set pieces in Klara and the Sun were filmed at Silverlight Studios, where custom environments were created for the story’s dystopian world.
Q3: When did filming for Klara and the Sun begin?
A3: Filming for Klara and the Sun began in January 2024 and continued through April 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Klara and the Sun?
A4: Yes, visitors can explore Wānaka and Auckland, both popular destinations in New Zealand. However, access to studio facilities such as Silverlight Studios may be restricted.
Klara and the Sun brings Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel to life through a combination of emotional storytelling and visually striking locations. Filmed across Wānaka and Auckland, New Zealand, the movie uses both studio environments and real-world settings to create its futuristic vision. With Taika Waititi directing and Jenna Ortega leading the cast, this science fiction drama is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026.
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