Inside Out 2: How A Group Of Teen Girls Helped Shape Riley's Emotions

Disney and Pixar released an exciting new trailer for their upcoming theatrical release, Inside Out 2, offering fans a glimpse into the mind of now-teenager Riley as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. The trailer introduced viewers to a host of new emotions joining Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust in Riley’s mind, promising a fresh and entertaining take on the beloved original film.

What’s in the Trailer

Joining the familiar Emotions are a group perfectly suited for the teenage years. Maya Hawke lends her voice to anxiety, a bundle of frazzled energy determined to prepare Riley for every possible negative outcome. Ayo Edebiri voices Envy, perpetually jealous and unafraid to pine over what others have. Adèle Exarchopoulos brings lethargic Ennui to life, adding teenage apathy to Riley’s personality. Paul Walter Hauser voices Embarrassment, a burly guy with a bright blush-pink complexion who prefers to lay low.

What’s the Story

Set in Riley’s mind, Inside Out 2 follows the upheaval caused by the sudden arrival of anxiety, shaking up headquarters and beyond. As Riley prepares to enter high school, she grapples with a range of emotions, from envy and apathy to embarrassment, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence. With the demolition of headquarters to make room for the new emotions, joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust find themselves unsure of how to adapt to the changes, setting the stage for an emotional journey of self-discovery and growth.

The Riley's Crew

During a press conference at Pixar Animation Studios,  Inside Out 2 director Kelsey Mann and producer Mark Nielson revealed that not being teenage girls themselves, they sought feedback from actual teenage girls about the character Riley. This focus group, consisting of nine girls aged 13 to 19, was dubbed "Riley's Crew." 

Every four months we would show the movie to them, and we would meet with them and have a notes session and get their thoughts on like the characters, Riley’s relationship with her friend group, what’s going on with them emotionally, and does that resonate?

Mann and Nielson noted that "Riley's Crew" took their role very seriously, treating each feedback session like a school assignment and delivering their notes to the Pixar team with the thoroughness of a book report. The duo admitted that the feedback from "Riley's Crew" was often more valuable than the notes from other Pixar staff members.

Release Date

Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, Inside Out 2 is set to hit theatres exclusively on June 14, 2024. With a score by Andrea Datzman, the film promises to deliver a heartwarming and entertaining exploration of the teenage experience, inviting audiences to delve back into the whimsical world of Riley’s mind. Disney and Pixar fans can mark their calendars for this highly anticipated sequel, guaranteed to delight both new and returning viewers alike.