The world of Pixar’s animated emotions is expanding with the introduction of a new character, Anxiety, in the first trailer for “Inside Out 2.” The sequel to the 2015 Oscar-winning film, “Inside Out,” promises to delve even deeper into the emotional landscape of its protagonist, Riley, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence. With the original film’s legacy of touching hearts and sparking conversations about emotional health, “Inside Out 2” is one of the most anticipated family movies in 2024.
The original cast of emotions, led by Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), navigated the tumultuous changes in Riley’s life as she moved to a new city and grappled with growing up. The sequel promises to explore new dimensions of Riley’s internal world, as evidenced by the arrival of Anxiety, depicted as a frazzled, orange character. However, fans will notice some changes, as Tony Hale and Liza Lapira step into voice Fear and Disgust, replacing Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling due to reported salary disputes.
“Inside Out” was heralded as a breakthrough for Pixar, with film critic Peter Debruge of Variety praising it as “an elegant and iconic visual metaphor for understanding [audiences’] own emotions, and empathizing with others’.” The film’s ability to resonate with children and adults set a high bar for its sequel, which has been eagerly awaited since its announcement at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022.
Directed by Kelsey Mann and written by returning writer Meg LeFauve, “Inside Out 2” will open in theaters on June 14, 2024. The sequel promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle and aims to continue the conversation about the importance of acknowledging and understanding our emotions. As fans mark their calendars, anticipation builds for another journey inside the mind that will captivate and enlighten audiences of all ages.
“Inside Out 2” stands on the shoulders of its predecessor, carrying the torch of imaginative storytelling and emotional intelligence into the next generation of Pixar films. With a new emotion in the mix, the film is poised to explore uncharted territories of the mind’s landscape, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt the complex interplay of joy, sadness, and now, anxiety.
