Premiere - Inside Out 2: A Spectacular Return to Riley's Emotional World at the Star-Studded Los Angeles Premiere

By Mulder, Los Angeles, El Capitan, 10 june 2024

On the warm evening of June 10, 2024, the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood was illuminated by the dazzling lights of the world premiere of Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2. This much-anticipated sequel brought together an array of stars, industry leaders, and excited fans, all eager to witness the next chapter in the emotional journey of Riley Andersen. The red carpet was a buzz of activity and glamour, featuring a roster of notable attendees such as Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar, and the film's vibrant cast including Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Liza Lapira, and Tony Hale. The event exuded an air of celebration and nostalgia, marking nearly a decade since the original film's debut.

You can discover the official red carpet interviews just below :

itw Amy Poehler               

itw Andrea Datzman       

itw Ayo Edebiri  

itw Bobby Moynihan      

itw Dave Holstein             

itw Dr Dacher Keltner and Dr Lisa Keltner              

itw Flea 

itw James Austin Johnson             

itw June Squibb 

itw Kelsey Mann and Mark Nielsen           

itw Kensington Tallman 

itw Lewis Black  

itw Lilimar            

itw Liza Lapira    

itw Maya Hawke              

itw Meg Le Fauve             

itw Pete Docter and Jim Morris  

itw Ron Funches               

itw Sarayu Blue 

itw Sumayyah Nuriddin Gren and Grace Lu            

itw Tony Hale     

itw Yvette Nicole Brown 

Inside Out 2 continues the innovative exploration of emotions that captivated audiences worldwide when the first film was released in 2015. Now, Riley is a teenager, and her emotional landscape is more complex than ever. The sequel introduces new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, alongside the beloved Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. This evolution reflects the turbulent and multifaceted nature of adolescence, promising a richer and more nuanced story. The premiere provided a glimpse into this expanded emotional world, setting the stage for a film that blends humor, heart, and insightful reflections on growing up.

Amy Poehler, who returns as the effervescent Joy, captured the spirit of the evening with her infectious enthusiasm. This is the easiest movie to talk about and promote, Poehler declared. It's Pixar. They're geniuses. Everybody loves this movie. The first one won an Oscar, babe, and the second one's just as good. Her comments highlighted the enduring appeal and critical acclaim of the original film, setting high expectations for its successor. Maya Hawke, who lends her voice to the new emotion Anxiety, shared her deep connection to her role, describing her emotional reaction upon seeing her character's design. It’s such a rare thing in one’s life to get to be a part of something that’s this good and this popular and actually a good thing to put out into the world, Hawke noted. It’s like a double rainbow.

The premiere was also an opportunity to introduce the new voice cast. Liza Lapira takes over the role of Disgust from Mindy Kaling, and Tony Hale steps in as Fear, replacing Bill Hader. Both brought fresh energy and perspectives to their characters, while retaining the essence that fans love. Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black reprised their roles as Sadness and Anger, respectively, providing continuity and depth. Kensington Tallman, the new voice of a teenage Riley, shared her personal journey with the character, noting the parallels between her own adolescence and Riley's. As I was recording, I was entering adolescence at the same time. I was experiencing all these new emotions, Tallman reflected. I was really trying to find the balance of joy and anxiety, which Riley was as well.

Director Kelsey Mann, making his feature directorial debut, along with producers Mark Nielsen and screenwriters Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, crafted a story that not only expands the emotional spectrum of its characters but also delves into the complexities of teenage life. Pete Docter, who directed the original film and now serves as an executive producer, shared insights into the decision to revisit Riley's world. He revealed that the idea for a sequel emerged a few years after the original's release, driven by the film's lasting impact on audiences and their desire for more stories from this richly imaginative universe.

Inside Out 2 is not just a continuation but a significant expansion of the world created by its predecessor. The inclusion of new emotions reflects the evolving challenges and experiences of adolescence. Maya Hawke's portrayal of Anxiety adds a poignant layer, resonating with the universal experience of growing pains. Ayo Edebiri, who voices Envy, brought a unique perspective to her character, aiming to infuse Envy with a sense of underlying adoration, thus adding complexity and depth. June Squibb, the voice of Nostalgia, and other newcomers like Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui and Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment, enrich the narrative with their multifaceted performances.

Pixar's meticulous approach to storytelling is evident in the sequel's development. Director Kelsey Mann and his team engaged with a group of teenagers, dubbed Riley's Crew, to ensure the film authentically represents modern teenage life. Their feedback influenced the inclusion of the emotion Nostalgia and shaped various scenes, including everyday elements of the emotions' lives and the transition from middle school to high school. This commitment to authenticity and relatability underscores Pixar's dedication to creating stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

The event was a celebration of creativity and collaboration, with the cast and crew sharing their experiences and excitement for the film's release. Jim Morris, President of Pixar, humorously speculated about the potential for future sequels, joking, We’ve scripted it out until she gets on social security. Amy Poehler, reflecting on the possibilities, mused about exploring themes of love and other significant life transitions in potential future installments.

The premiere of Inside Out 2 not only highlighted the film's artistic and narrative achievements but also underscored Pixar's enduring influence in the realm of animated storytelling. As the audience settled into the theater, the air was thick with anticipation. The film promises to capture the hearts of audiences once again with its heartfelt storytelling, stunning animation, and a compelling new array of emotions. The film’s exploration of the adolescent mind, combined with its signature humor and depth, ensures that it will resonate with both returning fans and new viewers, cementing its place as a beloved addition to the Pixar legacy.

The festivities continued well into the evening, with attendees reflecting on the powerful impact of the Inside Out franchise. From its inception, the series has been lauded for its ability to delve into complex emotional landscapes with sensitivity and humor. Inside Out 2 builds on this foundation, offering a fresh perspective on the trials and tribulations of growing up. The film's scheduled release on June 14, 2024, is poised to be a significant cultural event, promising to draw audiences of all ages to theaters worldwide.

In conclusion, the world premiere of Inside Out 2 at the El Capitan Theatre was a resounding success, showcasing the next chapter in Riley's emotional journey with all the flair and excitement befitting a Pixar masterpiece. The evening was a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the characters that fans have come to love. As the film prepares to make its wide release, there is no doubt that Inside Out 2 will continue to touch hearts and inspire audiences, just as its predecessor did nearly a decade ago.

Synopsis :
Freshly graduated, Riley is now a teenager, and this triggers a major upheaval at headquarters, which has to deal with something unexpected: the arrival of new emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust - which have long worked successfully together - don't quite know how to react when Anxiety arrives. And it seems she's not the only one...

Inside Out 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
Written by Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein
Story by Kelsey Mann, Meg LeFauve
Produced by Mark Nielsen
Starring  Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Kensington Tallman, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
Cinematography : Adam Habib, Jonathan Pytko
Edited by Maurissa Horwitz
Music by Andrea Datzman
Production company : Pixar Animation Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : June 10, 2024 (El Capitan Theatre), June 14, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 96 minutes

Photos : Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company