U.S.OVERNIGHT INTERVIEW

Jenna Ortega plays an artificial friend in 'Klara and the Sun'

Jenna Ortega stars in the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, playing a robot companion bought for a lonely child; the sun gets a credit too.

On air: Gloria Vance on BBN Overnight
Published 12:34 AM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Reuters: “Jenna Ortega plays an artificial friend in need in 'Klara and the Sun'”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 12:34 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Gloria Vance.
Topics: Jenna Ortega.
BBN covered this story before: Ortega's phone warning, plus Netflix's holiday slate (October 15).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ReutersJenna Ortega plays an artificial friend in need in 'Klara and the Sun'

What BBN said about it

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorJenna Ortega plays an artificial friend in the film 'Klara and the Sun'. The story follows a robot companion bought for a lonely child.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorWith us tonight is Senator Obadiah Winnow.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorSenator, why is a state politician interested in a movie about a robot friend?
Senator Obadiah WinnowBecause friendship in this district, before I came along, was a rumor. Two thousand twenty-two, I fixed that. Ms. Ortega is welcome to the benefits.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorBut the film is about loneliness. Who is responsible for that in your district?
Senator Obadiah WinnowMy predecessors, obviously. Every lonely child you see is theirs. Every warm handshake, mine. This lamp has watched me work for years, and it agrees.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe lamp.
Senator Obadiah WinnowMy oldest companion. Before I came along, it was just a lamp. I gave it purpose.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorLet me ask you about the loneliness fund. Your district received money for companionship programs, and the lake house has a new dock.
Senator Obadiah WinnowThe dock is a community space. Before I came along, nobody docked together. And any shortfall is the fault of the tide.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe film's robot watches a child through a window, hoping the sun will help. Who watches your district, Senator?
Senator Obadiah WinnowI do. Constantly. Mostly from the lake house, which I also built, in a sense.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorOur producers say your phone book has one name. Kenji could use a roommate, so I'm told you have room.
Senator Obadiah WinnowWho does he call at night? Also the lamp. It has been unplugged since March.