‘Inside Out 2’ Debuts New Emotions That Capture Teenage Woes

Regardless of the times, being a teenager is tough. For most, individuals entering their teens face life transitions that surface a myriad of emotions they would not have experienced when they were younger, and Pixar’s Inside Out perfectly illustrates such a human condition. This time, its sequel, Inside Out 2, debuts new emotions that embody the woes of being a teenager, and it looks so relatable.

In the official trailer for Inside Out 2, we are introduced to a slew of more complex characters (or emotions) that define the average teenager. On top of returning emotions like Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness, we are introduced to emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui (the feeling of being bored and dissatisfied with life.).

The story follows Riley once again as she enters high school striving to cope with her “awkward teenage phase” entering age 13, and as these new emotions attempt to take centre stage and shake up the order of “the headquarters”, they must attempt to live in harmony. The trailer heralds a message of facing new experiences with courage despite feeling overwhelmed, facilitating growth as a teenager.

The new emotions of Inside Out 2 will also feature new voice actors. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Maya Hawke (Stranger Things), Ayo Edibiri (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem), Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird), and Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour) will voice Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui respectively. Returning as Joy, Sadness and Anger respectively are Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation), Phyllis Smith (The Office), and Lewis Black (Rock Dog). Meanwhile, Bill Hader’s Fear will be replaced by Tony Hale (Toy Story 4), and Mindy Kaling’s Disgust will be voice acted by Liza Lapira (Marmaduke) instead.

It’s comforting to see IPs like Inside Out mature along with their audience, telling a story to those who were once children on the normalcy of experiencing common emotions that can define who they are. It is titles like Inside Out which will stick to the hearts of viewers of all ages, and everyone is looking forward to catching Inside Out 2 in theatres on 14 June this year. Bring tissues.

Joey Leong

Crack open a cold one with Joey, because the moment you approach him, he will start talking about film and video games for days. He spends his waking moments during the weekends meditating on how the latest movie he’s watched or game he’s played has impacted his worldview.