- Inside Out 2 will be a direct continuation of the original film, focusing on Riley’s transition from child to teenager.
- The sequel will explore the theme of puberty, aiming to depict the humor and challenges of this stage in a meaningful way.
- New emotions, including anxiety, will be introduced in Riley’s mind, and the director hopes to start important conversations about mental health.
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 will continue the story from the original film, following Riley’s journey as she transitions from childhood to adolescence. The 2015 film, Inside Out, marked the beginning of a new era for Pixar that focuses on examining existential human dilemmas, with movies like Coco, Soul, and Turning Red continuing this trend. The upcoming sequel, directed by Pete Docter, aims to expand the horizons even further.
Inside Out 2 will capture Riley’s experience during puberty, one of the most complex phases in a person’s life. Director Kelsey Mann told Empire Magazine that she explored several ideas but ultimately chose to focus on puberty as the main theme, believing it encompasses everything Pixar excels at, such as heart, emotion, and humor. Mann hopes the film will present a meaningful reflection on humanity while maintaining Pixar’s signature imaginative storytelling.
New emotions will be introduced in Inside Out 2, including Ennui, Embarrassment, Envy, and Anxiety. Mann is particularly excited about the character representing anxiety and hopes that it will open up important conversations about mental health, particularly social anxiety, fitting in, and self-worth. She believes that young people today have a deeper understanding of their emotions and feels it is important to discuss these topics more openly.
Returning cast members include Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale replacing Bill Hader as Fear, Liza Lapira replacing Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Diane Lane as Mom. Inside Out 2 is set to premiere in theaters on June 14, 2024, and will be the only Pixar movie released next year after the delay of Elio.