Disney and Pixar’s animated universe is set to take audiences on another memorable journey into the human psyche with the release of the “Inside Out 2” trailer. The sequel to the beloved 2015 hit film “Inside Out” brings back the vibrant inner world of young Riley Andersen, but with the teenage years comes a whole new emotional landscape to explore.
As the trailer unfolds, we’re reintroduced to the familiar colorful emotions that reside in Riley’s mind: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, all of whom have been steering Riley’s emotional ship with precision. Yet the serene status quo of Riley’s headquarters is shaken by the arrival of a new character: Anxiety, whoso presence foreshadowed in prior teasers is now fully revealed. Anxiety’s entry sparks a series of events that are as chaotic as they are comical. But Anxiety is not alone, the trailer teases an even bigger shakeup – Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment also make their way into the emotional mix, leading to a tumultuous chain of events that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Inside Out 2” dives into the complexities of Riley’s experiences as a young teenager. The mind’s headquarters, once a well-oiled machine, now faces the daunting task of accommodating these new emotions. The fresh arrivals send ripples through Riley’s emotional ecosystem, with Joy, played once again by Amy Poehler, and the rest of the original gang trying to navigate these uncharted waters.
The voice talent for the film assembles a blend of returning stars and exciting new additions. Joining Poehler are Lewis Black as Anger, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Newcomers include Maya Hawke lending her voice to Anxiety, Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Adèle Exarchopoulos providing the voice for Ennui and Paul Walter Hauser portraying Embarrassment.
The cast extends beyond the psyche, with Kensington Tallman voicing the teenage Riley, while Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan reprise their roles as her parents. Lilimar plays Valentina “Val” Ortiz, Riley’s admired high school hockey player-friend. Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green and Grace Lu voice Riley’s closest friends, and Yvette Nicole Brown takes on the role of the summer hockey camp coach.
The star-studded voice lineup also features Sarayu Blue, Flea, Ron Funches, Dave Goelz, James Austin Johnson, Bobby Moynihan, Frank Oz, Paula Pell, Paula Poundstone, John Ratzenberger, Kendall Coyne Schofield, June Squibb, Kirk Thatcher, and Yong Yea.
Directed by Kelsey Mann with Mark Nielsen at the production helm, the sequel builds upon the original’s innovative storytelling and psychological insights. The original “Inside Out” was widely praised for its creative approach to depicting the workings of the mind, balancing humor, heart, and a deep understanding of emotional development. The film not only entertained but also served as a conversation starter about emotional health and empathy for viewers of all ages.
“Inside Out 2” is expected to continue this tradition with its nuanced portrayal of adolescence and the heady cocktail of emotions that come with it. With a blend of humor, heartache, and psychological adventure, the film is poised to offer a fresh, poignant chapter in Riley’s coming-of-age story.
Audience anticipation is high for the return trip to the mental landscape that enchanted viewers eight years ago. As the trailer teases, the film promises a rollicking ride through the labyrinth of teenage emotions, both familiar and brand new.
Mark your calendars for a cinematic experience filled with laughter, introspection, and perhaps a tear or two, as “Inside Out 2” is scheduled to make its theatrical debut on June 14. The emotional rollercoaster awaits in this enthralling chapter of animated storytelling that both kids and adults are eager to see unfold on the big screen.
