Jenna Ortega used the London premiere of Klara and the Sun to share a message that reaches beyond the red carpet: make time for the people in front of you, and do not let screens take over every moment.
Speaking to Variety at the film’s world premiere during the BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, Ortega said: “I think we gotta put our focus on one another and put down the computers and phones.” She added: “Remember to be present and to appreciate people while they’re standing right in front of you.” The remarks were reported by Variety and republished by Yahoo News.
What Jenna Ortega actually said about phones
Ortega did not announce a new rule for fans or criticize one particular social-media platform. She described the kind of real-world connection she hopes audiences take from the movie. Her message was straightforward: pay attention to the people around you and be present when you are together.
Why the message fits Klara and the Sun
Directed and co-written by Taika Waititi, the film adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel. Ortega plays Klara, an artificial friend designed to provide companionship. Klara is brought into the life of Josie, a teenager played by Mia Tharia, and her family. The story asks what care, loyalty and human connection mean in a society shaped by advanced technology.
The futuristic setting gives Ortega’s comments a contemporary edge. Artificial intelligence and digital tools can be useful, but the story also invites audiences to consider what technology cannot replace: listening, attention and being present for another person.
What the premiere tells us—and what it does not
The remarks were made during the film’s London world-premiere event at the BFI London Film Festival. Reuters’ coverage also highlighted the film’s questions about technology and human relationships, including director Taika Waititi’s hope that audiences might put devices aside and spend time with the people around them.
That does not mean Ortega said phones are inherently harmful, nor does it prove the film will change viewers’ habits. It is more accurate to describe the comment as a personal hope connected to the story’s themes.
Simple ways to put the message into practice
- Put your phone away during a meal or an important conversation.
- Turn off nonessential notifications when spending time with friends or family.
- If you need to use a device, explain why rather than leaving others guessing.
- Choose screen-free time in a way that feels realistic, not punitive.
These are practical suggestions inspired by the theme of Ortega’s comments, not instructions she specifically gave at the premiere.
When does Klara and the Sun come out?
Sony Pictures lists Klara and the Sun for a U.S. theatrical release on October 23, 2026. The movie is directed by Taika Waititi and features Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne.
For official film information, visit Sony Pictures’ official Klara and the Sun page. Read the interview coverage via Variety’s report republished by Yahoo News, and see Reuters’ premiere report.
Frequently asked questions
What did Jenna Ortega say about phones?
She said she hopes people will focus on one another, put down computers and phones, and appreciate people who are physically present with them.
Where did she make the comment?
She spoke to Variety on the red carpet at the London world premiere of Klara and the Sun during the BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026.
What is Klara and the Sun about?
The film adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel and follows Klara, an artificial friend played by Ortega, as she becomes part of a family’s life and explores human connection.
When is Klara and the Sun released in the United States?
Sony Pictures lists the U.S. theatrical release date as October 23, 2026.
By Shivam Das
