Jenna Ortega’s Sci-Fi Bomb Officially Cancels International Theatrical Release
*Klára and the Sun*, starring Jenna Ortega, has reportedly had its planned cinema release in Spain cancelled after a poor North American opening and unfavourable reviews. The decision highlights the commercial difficulties facing a film backed by a high-profile cast and director, despite its source being a novel by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro.
The film opened in 880 North American cinemas on 23 October and earned $701,059 in its first weekend, averaging about $797 per cinema. Spanish publication Hobby Consolas reported that Sony Pictures had abandoned the Spanish theatrical rollout for now; the article gives no replacement release plan. Taika Waititi directed the adaptation, whose cast also includes Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne.
In short
- Spanish cinema release reportedly cancelled for now.
- The film earned $701,059 in its North American opening weekend.
- Sony’s decision follows poor reviews and disappointing box-office returns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cancelling the Spanish cinema release may be a sensible commercial decision: the weak North American opening and poor reviews suggest limited demand, and a costly rollout could deepen losses. Sony can instead reconsider timing or distribution plans and direct resources towards films with stronger prospects.
The case against
Withdrawing the planned release may deny Spanish audiences the chance to judge the film for themselves, especially given Ishiguro’s novel and the established cast and director. A modest theatrical run could have built word of mouth and supported the film’s visibility, while cancelling it on the basis of early results may overlook differences between markets.
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