Summary
Amy Poehler’sInside Outcharacter Joyis one of the most crucial emotions in young Riley Andersen’s (Kaitlyn Diaz) mind. When thePixarmovie was released in 2015, it offered a compelling look at the different emotions that everyone feels, sometimes even on a daily basis. When Riley relocates from Minnesota to San Francisco, Riley is scared and nervous, and Joy is in charge of the command center in her brain. InInside Out 2, Joy will also help Riley work through her feelings and stressors.
Amy Poehler, known for playing the hilarious and quirky Leslie Knope onParks and Recreation, has played several comedic characters in movies, but none quite as memorable as Joy inInside Out.In the lead-up toInside Out 2’s June 14th, 2024 release, Poehler has given a few interviews about her character Joy and why she wanted to return to the Pixar sequel.
Amy Poehler talked aboutInside Out 2at the 2024 CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards andshared a few compelling plot detailsin an interview withPeople. Riley Andersen is going through the tough emotional and physical changes of puberty and explained:
“That feeling of, ‘Who am I? How should I act?’ The inner feeling of, ‘What should I be worried about? What should I let go of? How do I take care of myself?’ We can all relate to that.”
It sounds likeInside Out 2will have the same unique tone of the original and will balance laughs with relatable moments. WhileInside Outhas hilarious quotes, the movie tells an important and fairly serious story about Riley’s coming-of-age experiences. The movie is also about how her parents are adjusting to the emotional move to San Francisco, which allowsInside Outto appeal to a wide range of ages.
Kelsey Mann
Writers
Screenplay by Meg LaFauve, Jon Zack, Dave Holstein Story by Leslie Dixon, Kirsten Smith, Karen McCullah
Voice Actors
Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Liza Lapira, Lewis Black, Paul Walker Hauser, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Ayo Edebiri, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLaughlan, Kensington Tallman
Release Date
June 14th, 2024 (United States)
Pixar fans hope thatInside Out 2’s new characters are greatconsidering thatMindy Kaling and Bill Hader didn’t voice Disgust and Fear in the Pixar sequel. Thankfully, Amy Poehler told People that she is happy with the sequel, particularly thefocus on the new emotion Anxiety.
Poehler said:
“The stuff they did in this next film is so good. The movie’s growing with all of us… I love the research and the depth that they did where anxiety is a motivator. So at first, Joy is like, ‘I like you! Anxiety’s fun!’”
According to Variety, thefirst 35 minutes ofInside Out 2were playedat CinemaCon, and audiences were given the chance to learn a bit more about the plot. Riley is still a fan of ice hockey and she is excited to go to hockey camp. Considering how much Riley struggles inInside Out,Inside Out 2has a perfect and smart plotsince it examines what Riley needs to learn in order to truly grow up. Of course, Riley isn’t going to have an easy time, andthe alarm puberty goes off, alerting the emotions in Riley’s mind that something bad is happening.
Why Amy Poehler Wanted To Play Joy Again In Inside Out 2
In April 2024, Amy Poehler talked aboutwanting to play Joy inInside Out 2in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter. She said that she loves that the Pixar sequel focuses on “basic emotions” like Fear and Joy but also proves that people can experience anxiety as they get older. Like other Pixar movies that feature emotional storylines, likeBruno leaving the family inEncanto,Inside OutandInside Out 2approaches deep topics entertainingly and humorously.
“Doing the voice work feels like healing work to me. The content touches me so deeply as a grown woman, and it touches the young child inside of me.”
Amy Poehler’s comments prove thatPixar movies are nostalgic for many fans. Whether recallingsoundtracks from past Disney and Pixar moviesor watching the latest releases, audiences relive their childhoods when watching these films. SinceInside Out 2is about Riley as a high schooler, the story will allow audiences to think about that time in their life and compare their own experiences to the main character. Movies likeInside Outare an important and necessary escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Poehler added:
“This second one digs into the idea that at a certain age, new emotions like anxiety show up and everything becomes complicated and you become status-driven. You start to feel almost nostalgic for the easier, more basic emotions like sadness and fear.”
What Are Amy Poehler’s Best Movie Roles?
While there arecharming sci-fi movies aimed at childrenanddark animated children’s movies,Inside Outappeals to various age groups thanks to its focus on core memories and childhood nostalgia. Amy Poehler’s comments prove that anyone of any age can find something relatable in the story. The Pixar sequelInside Out 2is sure to make fans happy.
