Taika Waititi’s new movie is Klara and the Sun, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. It opens in New Zealand cinemas on 22 October 2026, a day before its US release. It is his first feature as director since Next Goal Wins in 2023.
Waititi is 51. Below is every feature film he has directed, with the year and what each is known for, followed by his main TV work.
Klara and the Sun (2026)
| Director | Taika Waititi |
| Based on | Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro |
| Cast | Jenna Ortega (Klara), Amy Adams (Chrissie), Mia Tharia (Josie), Aran Murphy (Rick), Steve Buscemi, Natasha Lyonne, Simon Baker |
| Premiere | BFI London Film Festival, 15 October 2026 |
| NZ release | 22 October 2026 |
| US release | 23 October 2026 |
| Distributor | Sony Pictures (Columbia Pictures) |
| Running time | 116 minutes |
The story follows Klara, an artificial companion bought by a mother for her unwell teenage daughter, Josie. New Zealand cinema listings carry an “offensive language” note; Flicks and Hoyts list the rating as M (offensive language) as of late September 2026.
Taika Waititi’s movies as director
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Two Cars, One Night | Short film; nominated for an Academy Award in 2005 |
| 2007 | Eagle vs Shark | First feature |
| 2010 | Boy | Coming-of-age comedy-drama |
| 2014 | What We Do in the Shadows | Vampire mockumentary, co-directed with Jemaine Clement |
| 2016 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople | |
| 2017 | Thor: Ragnarok | His first Marvel film |
| 2019 | Jojo Rabbit | Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (2020) |
| 2022 | Thor: Love and Thunder | Second Thor film |
| 2023 | Next Goal Wins | |
| 2026 | Klara and the Sun | NZ release 22 October 2026 |
His TV work
- Reservation Dogs: co-creator.
- Our Flag Means Death: directed and starred.
- Time Bandits (2024): directed the pilot.
- Interior Chinatown (2024): directed the pilot.
- Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory: a Netflix project in which he voices Willy Wonka.
Where it started: comedy with Jemaine Clement
Before film, Waititi was a comedian. At Victoria University of Wellington he was part of the comedy ensemble So You’re a Man, and in 1999 he and Jemaine Clement won the Billy T Award as the duo The Humourbeasts. Clement went on to form Flight of the Conchords with Bret McKenzie, and he and Waititi later co-directed What We Do in the Shadows.
How old is Taika Waititi?
He is 51. Waititi was born Taika David Cohen on 16 August 1975 in Wellington. His wife, ex-wife and family are covered in our article on Taika Waititi’s wife.
Frequently asked questions
What is Taika Waititi's new movie?
Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. It opens in New Zealand on 22 October 2026.
When does Klara and the Sun come out in New Zealand?
22 October 2026. It premieres at the BFI London Film Festival on 15 October and opens in the US on 23 October.
Has Taika Waititi won an Oscar?
Yes, the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit at the 2020 ceremony. His short Two Cars, One Night was nominated in 2005.
What Thor movies did Taika Waititi direct?
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).
Did Taika Waititi make What We Do in the Shadows?
Yes. He co-directed the 2014 film with Jemaine Clement.
