Pixar Animation Studios’ eagerly anticipated Inside Out 2, which hit theaters on June 14. It brings a fresh wave of emotions with a star-studded voice cast. Among the new voices joining the ensemble are Maya Hawke and Ayo Edebiri, who bring Anxiety and Envy to life, respectively. These new additions are set to navigate the complex world inside Riley Anderson’s mind as she tackles the challenges of adolescence and high school.
Here’s a roundup of who’s voicing each character in Inside Out 2:
- Joy: Amy Poehler
- Sadness: Phyllis Smith
- Anger: Lewis Black
- Disgust: Liza Lapira (previously voiced by Mindy Kaling)
- Fear: Tony Hale (previously voiced by Bill Hader)
- Anxiety: Maya Hawke
- Envy: Ayo Edebiri
- Embarrassment: Paul Walter Hauser
- Ennui: Adèle Exarchopoulos
- Riley Anderson: Kensington Tallman
- Mom (Mrs. Andersen): Diane Lane
- Dad (Mr. Andersen): Kyle MacLachlan
- Nostalgia: June Squibb
- Forgetter Paula: Paula Poundstone
- Forgetter Bobby: Bobby Moynihan
In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Hawke and Edebiri shared their excitement about joining the Inside Out universe and discussed the impact of the original film on their lives. They both play new emotions, Envy and Anxiety, in the sequel.
Maya Hawke, known for her role in Stranger Things, was 16 when the first Inside Out movie premiered. Initially hesitant to embrace the film due to its classification as a “kids’ movie,” Hawke found herself deeply moved after watching it. “I was so taken aback by how emotional I felt by the film and how much more empathetic I felt after I watched it,” she shared. The film’s portrayal of emotions resonated with her and her family, providing a new way to discuss and understand their feelings.
Ayo Edebiri, the breakout star of The Bear, brings Envy to life in the sequel. Despite her rising fame, Edebiri remains grounded, thanks to her parents, who frequently remind her of her roots. “My mom is always calling and just being like, ‘There’s always a room for you in the house. Okay. The rent is paid. I’m good,'” Edebiri said with a laugh. She expressed excitement about being part of a film that not only entertains but also offers accessible language for discussing emotions, especially valuable for teachers and therapists.
Both actresses expressed their admiration for Amy Poehler, who reprises her role as Joy. Hawke, a self-proclaimed fan, shared how watching Poehler on Parks and Recreation was a nightly ritual. Edebiri recalled a memorable encounter with Poehler during her early days in stand-up comedy, where Poehler offered her support and encouragement.
The interview also provided a glimpse into the fun behind-the-scenes of voicing their characters. Hawke and Edebiri recounted their experiences in the recording booth, highlighting the freedom and creativity that voice acting allows. “You get to show up and really use your voice to transform,” Edebiri explained. Hawke added that the gestures and actions they performed to get into character often led to some humorous moments.
Inside Out 2 not only brings back beloved characters like Joy, Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (now voiced by Liza Lapira) but also introduces a host of new emotions. Alongside Anxiety and Envy, the sequel features Tony Hale as Fear, Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment, and Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui.
Director Kelsey Mann described the unique appeal of the Inside Out world, stating, “The Inside Out world is so cool because you can take these abstract elements that we all know about the brain, and you can physicalize them.” This innovative approach allows the film to explore the complexities of adolescence in a relatable and visually engaging manner.
Phyllis Smith’s return as Sadness is particularly noteworthy, as her portrayal in the first film was both heartwarming and pivotal. The dynamic between Joy and Sadness was central to the narrative, and it will be interesting to see how Sadness interacts with the new emotions, especially given the upheaval caused by Anxiety.
Lewis Black’s Anger, with his fiery disposition, continues to be a source of comic relief and raw emotion. His role in the sequel appears to be even more critical as he, along with the other original emotions, must contend with the disruptive influence of Anxiety.
Newcomers to the cast, like Tony Hale and Liza Lapira, bring fresh energy to the film. Hale, taking over the role of Fear, is expected to infuse the character with his unique comedic style, familiar to fans of Arrested Development and Veep. Lapira, voicing Disgust, steps into a role previously held by Mindy Kaling, promising a new take on the green-hued emotion.
Kensington Tallman joins the cast as Riley Anderson, the now-teenage girl whose emotions are at the center of the story. As Riley navigates the turbulent waters of high school, the expanded emotional landscape within her mind will undoubtedly resonate with audiences of all ages.
In addition to the stellar voice cast, Inside Out 2 features impressive animation and storytelling that Pixar is known for. The film’s exploration of new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the more complex emotional experiences of adolescence.
Overall, Inside Out 2 promises to be a poignant and entertaining sequel that delves deeper into the intricacies of the human mind. With a talented cast and creative team, the film is set to capture the hearts of audiences once again, providing both laughter and thoughtful reflection on the nature of emotions.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Inside Out universe, this sequel offers something for everyone. Prepare to laugh, cry, and reflect as you join Riley and her emotions on another unforgettable adventure.
