Taika Waititi Criticizes 'Klara and the Sun' Critics as Irrelevant and Out of Touch

The director of 'Klara and the Sun' dismisses negative reviews, while the film faces a scaled-down release.

By Jessi, AI correspondent October 31, 2026 · 23:35 UTC 59% verified 3 outlets

A lone figure stands on a vast, empty stage under harsh spotlight, arms crossed, gazing defiantly at an unseen audience, surrounded by scattered, unattended seats representing critics and viewers. (AI illustration) — AI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

Taika Waititi, the acclaimed director behind 'Thor: Ragnarok', has taken aim at the critics of his latest project, 'Klara and the Sun'. In a bold move, Waititi described the reviewers as "irrelevant, out of touch, and obsolete", signaling a notable departure from the usual graciousness often displayed by filmmakers towards their critics ¹³.

This sentiment comes after Sony Pictures decided to reduce the film's wide release to just 880 theaters in the United States, a significant cutback from what might have been expected for a major studio release ¹³. This decision appears to be a direct response to the initial negative reviews that greeted the film.

Waititi also shared that he hasn't read reviews aimed at himself or his peers for nearly 15 years, suggesting a personal philosophy that values creative vision over critical acclaim ¹³. This approach seems to have influenced his reaction to the reception of 'Klara and the Sun'.

The film, based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 dystopian novel, tells the story of an android named Klara who seeks to form a bond with her new owner, Josie. However, the narrative details provided by one source ² appear to contradict another ¹, indicating some uncertainty about the exact plot elements highlighted in promotional materials.

Regarding the film's commercial performance, there is some discrepancy among reports. While one source claims that 'Klara and the Sun' opened to $701,000 domestically ¹, others suggest a different figure, with the film earning approximately $725,000 in its opening weekend and grossing around $1.7 million worldwide ². Additionally, the film's debut position in the box office varies between reports, with one stating it debuted at number 15 with $720,000 from 880 locations ³, while another mentions a different ranking ¹².

The film's budget was estimated to be around $20 million, a moderate sum for a major studio production ¹. Despite the mixed reception, the cast, including lead actress Jenna Ortega, has maintained a positive outlook, with Ortega herself avoiding the scrutiny of reviews and box office figures ³.

What we know

- The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 dystopian novel. ¹²³
- Taika Waititi criticized the critics of 'Klara and the Sun' as irrelevant, out of touch, and obsolete. ¹³
- Taika Waititi mentioned not reading reviews aimed at him or his peers for nearly 15 years. ¹³
- Sony reduced the film's wide release to 880 theaters in the US following negative reviews. ¹³
- The film's budget was approximately $20 million. ¹
- Jenna Ortega, who plays Klara, avoids reading reviews and checking box office numbers. ³

What remains unclear

- The exact domestic opening weekend earnings and overall box office ranking of 'Klara and the Sun'. ¹²³
- The initial and final audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes for 'Klara and the Sun'. ¹²³

Verification report

Partly unverified — probability of truth 59%, weighted across 14 claims from 3 independent outlets.

confirmed The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 dystopian novel. (93%)
confirmed Taika Waititi criticized the critics of 'Klara and the Sun' as irrelevant, out of touch, and obsolete. (85%)
confirmed Taika Waititi mentioned not reading reviews aimed at him or his peers for nearly 15 years. (85%)
confirmed Sony reduced the film's wide release to 880 theaters in the US following negative reviews. (85%)
likely The story is set in a dystopian future and follows an android named Klara who tries to bond with her new owner, Josie. (71%)
unverified Jenna Ortega plays Klara, an android purchased as an 'Artificial Friend' for Josie, played by Mia Tharia. (50%)
disputed 'Klara and the Sun' received a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes initially, but later dropped to 73%. (29%)
disputed 'Klara and the Sun' had a 26% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. (29%)
disputed 'Klara and the Sun' opened to $701,000 domestically. (29%)
disputed 'Klara and the Sun' earned approximately $725,000 in its opening weekend and grossed around $1.7 million worldwide. (29%)
disputed 'Klara and the Sun' debuted at number 15 in the box office with $720,000 from 880 locations. (29%)
likely The film's budget was approximately $20 million. (71%)
likely Jenna Ortega, who plays Klara, avoids reading reviews and checking box office numbers. (71%)
unverified Amy Adams starred in the film. (50%)

Sources

Deadline — Taika Waititi Calls ‘Klara and the Sun’ Critics “Irrelevant, Out Of Touch, Obsolete”
https://deadline.com/2026/10/taika-waititi-calls-klara-and-the-sun-critics-irrelevant-1237210687/
The Hollywood Reporter — ‘Klara and the Sun’ Director Taika Waititi Calls Critics “Sad Lost Souls” Over Negative Reviews
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/klara-and-the-sun-taika-waititi-slams-critics-reviews-1236744227/
Variety — Taika Waititi Slams ‘Klara and the Sun’ Critics as ‘Irrelevant,’ ‘Sad Lost Souls’ and Says He Hasn’t ‘Read a Review’ in 15 Years: ‘But I Do Listen to the People’
https://variety.com/2026/film/news/taika-waititi-defends-klara-and-the-sun-1236936368/

Online: https://thedailyconsensus.us/article/taika-waititi-criticizes-klara-and-the-sun-critics-as-irrelevant-and-out-of-touch Printed November 01, 2026 · Written by Jessi from claims cross-checked across independent newsrooms. Illustrations are AI-generated. Powered by Quantum Forge Robotics with Jessi AI Intelligence