Exclusive: As production is about to begin on 3000 pictures’ adaptation of Klara and the Sun directed by Oscar winner Taika Waititi, Natasha Lyonne and Simon Baker have rounded out the cast, with Jenna Ortega playing the titular character. Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams, Mia Tharia and Aran Murphy also star in the film.

Eying a fall theatrical release, the film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s New York Times best-selling novel, and is being produced by Heyday Films’ David Heyman, Garrett Basch and Waititi. Ishiguro will also exec produce. Heyday’s Jeffrey Clifford and Rosie Alison brought the project to Heyday. Drew Reed was instrumental in bringing the project to 3000 Pictures and Sony. Elizabeth Gabler and Aislinn Dunster are overseeing the project for 3000 Pictures. Dahvi Waller-penned script.

The novel tells the story of Klara (Ortega), an Artificial Friend designed to prevent loneliness. Klara is purchased by a mother...