In Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the emotions are back, helping Riley navigate a now-teenage Riley when a few new emotions arrive unexpectedly and start to mix up the ordinary every day of Headquarters.
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During a recent trip to Pixar Animation Studios, we spoke with Director Kelsey Mann who shared that when he and his team began working on Inside Out 2, there were nine new emotions. Yes, nine!
While we are ones to never shy away from a big cast of characters, the square footage of Headquarters probably seemed a little cramped. After reviewing ideas, Mann shared that one of the first notes was to simplify — meaning the crew had to say farewell to emotions like Guilt, Jealousy, and Schadenfreude (among others).
Inside Out 2 Story
In true Pixar style, the team behind Inside Out 2 put their focus on the moving parts that kept the story flowing in the right direction — which means some scenes and gags had to be cut.
As Mann shared, he and the team had created a new land in Riley’s mind called “Procrastination Land” with the motto “Always Under Construction.” While Mann noted that the team ultimately had to cut the scene as it stopped the story’s movement, he teased that he was hoping the “Procrastination Land” would somehow make it, noting that there were so many gags.
Although nothing is confirmed, we hope that an end credits scene may showcase this incredible land — I mean, we all procrastinate at times, right?!
Riley’s Crew – Teenage ‘Story Trust’
Research is always crucial when it comes to any Pixar film, and with the filmmakers being far from their teenage years, the team created a unique trust of the minds — the teenage minds that is.
Mann and Producer Mark Nielson shared that the team assembled a crew of nine teenage girls called “Riley’s Crew” who would come to the studio every four months to screen the film and give notes.
After watching roughly 30 minutes of the film, we can attest that “Riley’s Crew” must have given great notes and were an asset to the team, as the teenage-heightened and mellow emotions are perfection in the film.
Inside Out 2 Humor
We were thrilled when we first heard back in September 2022 that Kelsey Mann would be taking the directing role of Inside Out 2. Mann brings a sense of humor reminiscent of muppet-style gags (much like his short-film directorial debut of Party Central).
Their Heart Is In It
The filmmakers of Inside Out 2 have put their hearts into this film, and you will feel it in each scene.
After watching some of the Inside Out 2 footage, we can share that the film is not just filled with his humor and gags; you can feel the heart and emotion that went into its making.
What I love about Inside Out 2 is that it is classic Pixar storytelling. A story that everyone can connect to.
We’ve all been teenagers and understand the desire and urge to fit in – to be accepted. Mann shared that sentiment during our visit and noted, “The film is all about acceptance. Learning to love who you are despite your flaws. You don’t need to be perfect in order to be loved. That is the foundation of the film.”
So, much like Riley’s journey throughout Inside Out 2, whether you’re trying to be the best at hockey among new (and old friends) or a new emotion showing up in Headquarters with some (ahem) baggage, we all want to be accepted and seen.
Inside Out 2 hits theaters on June 14, 2023.
Behind-the-Scenes Photos
Additional Insights
While you wait for Inside Out 2 to hit theaters, check out our coverage from Pixar Animation Studios for the first film or chat with other fans in the Pixar Post Forum thread about the film.
Finally, read up on 6 emotional Inside Out 2 facts – like, some details about Bloofy, the cartoon pup, or how Kelsey Mann and Pete Docter geographically followed each other to Pixar.
Is it possible that we could see more emotions since there are 27 emotions, could some of these emotions can be half females and half males to make it equal and can we see at least one or two emotions make appearances at the end of the movie or help the original emotions get back to headquarters and join them.
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