Amy Poehler's portrayal of Joy is set to make a comeback in the Pixar sequel Inside Out 2, scheduled for release on June 14th, 2024. The original 2015 film Inside Out was a hit both critically and commercially, narrating the tale of Riley Andersen's (Katilyn Diaz) relocation to San Francisco and her adjustment to a new life. Joy, along with Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, played pivotal roles in assisting Riley on her journey, with Joy delivering some of the most memorable lines in the movie.
With Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling not returning for the sequel, it's imperative that the new characters in Inside Out 2 leave a lasting impression. Amy Poehler's Joy from the original movie is anticipated to be just as remarkable in the upcoming installment.
Unveiling Joy's Role in Inside Out
Within Riley Andersen's mind in Inside Out, Amy Poehler's character Joy is a prominent emotion and considers herself the leader among the emotions. Whenever Fear, Disgust, Anger, or Sadness become distressed or excessively worried, Joy steps in to ground them. Poehler's voice performance brings Joy to life in a delightful and engaging manner, steering clear of annoyance.
Similar to Riley, Joy embarks on a personal journey as she comes to terms with Sadness as a crucial emotion, a significant lesson she learns in Inside Out. In a poignant scene, Joy watches one of Riley's core memories, witnessing her in tears in a classroom, leading Joy to feel a sense of responsibility for Riley's challenges.
Both Joy and Riley realize the importance of experiencing a wide array of emotions, acknowledging that these encounters propel personal growth and happiness. Given that this is the central theme of Inside Out, Amy Poehler's character is fundamental to the movie's success. Joy is poised to play an equally significant role in the sequel, with Inside Out 2 anticipated to be a major triumph for Pixar.
Amy Poehler's Motivation Behind Reprising Joy in Inside Out 2
In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Amy Poehler expressed her desire to voice Joy once again in Inside Out 2, citing the experience as "healing" and showcasing her appreciation for storylines revolving around emotions. Poehler's comedic background, exemplified in TV shows like Parks And Recreation and movies including Mean Girls, makes her an ideal fit to voice a vibrant emotion like Joy. The presence of Joy in the highly-anticipated Pixar sequel ensures that 2024 will have at least one standout animated film.
Since her involvement in the 2015 movie, the actress has consistently praised Inside Out. During the same year, Poehler and director Pete Docter discussed the movie with NPR, highlighting the significance of Joy experiencing Sadness in Inside Out. This pivotal moment in the film underscores Joy's character development and growth, contributing to the movie's enduring impact. Poehler remarked:
Introducing New Emotions in Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 introduces four new emotions to the mix. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety in the sequel, a character that has garnered significant attention due to its distinctive appearance. Additionally, Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walker Hauser) play vital roles in Riley's teenage journey, reflecting her aspirations for acceptance.
Meet All the Emotions in Inside Out 2:
- Joy (Amy Poehler)
- Anxiety (Maya Hawke)
- Embarrassment (Paul Walker Hauser)
- Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos)
- Envy (Ayo Edebiri)
- Disgust (Lisa Lapira)
- Anger (Lewis Black)
- Sadness (Phyllis Smith)
- Fear (Tony Hale)
With a focus on a teenage Riley, Inside Out 2 promises an enjoyable exploration of both new and familiar emotions, blending humor and insight akin to its predecessor, Inside Out.