While Anxiety portrayed by Maya Hawke steals the spotlight, Pixar's Inside Out 2 introduces four additional emotions: Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos). The storyline follows teenager Riley Andersen (Kensington Tallman) navigating the challenges of daily life, a relatable experience for many.

However, the new emotions in Inside Out 2 have sparked mixed reactions among fans. While Amy Poehler's enthusiastic remarks about the sequel generate excitement for its June 2024 release, some fans express uncertainty about the inclusion of these emotions. Comparisons are drawn to the original Inside Out, questioning the novelty and coherence of the new emotional characters.

Examining Criticisms of the New Emotions in Inside Out 2

Following the announcement of the four new emotions, discussions erupted among fans on platforms like Reddit. Three primary concerns emerged regarding these additions. Firstly, fans noted that these emotions are perceived as "microemotions" rather than "basic emotions."

A Redditor, @tesseracts, argues that Anxiety seems redundant and questions Envy's distinction from Anger and Disgust, and Embarrassment's overlap with Fear and Disgust. The fan suggests that if Anxiety were a significant aspect, it should have been explored in the original Inside Out, given Riley's past experiences. The film's blend of humor and seriousness mirrors Riley's emotional turmoil during significant life changes.

One fan expressed that the conclusion of Inside Out already encapsulated the complexity of emotions without needing new additions. The amalgamation of Joy and Sadness into a bittersweet emotion at the movie's end symbolized Riley's transition from childhood to adolescence.

Another Redditor critiqued the negative tone of the new emotions in Inside Out 2, contrasting the typical heartwarming essence of Pixar films. This observation raises questions about the emotional direction of the sequel.

Despite reservations about the new emotions in Inside Out 2, some fans acknowledge the relevance of introducing them, especially considering Riley's teenage phase fraught with unpredictable feelings.

Quantifying the Emotions in Inside Out 2

In Inside Out 2, a total of nine emotions are showcased. Returning characters include Joy, Anger (Lewis Black), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). While Disgust and Fear undergo voice changes, Liza Lapira and Tony Hale lend their voices to these emotions in the sequel. The four new emotions—Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Envy—complete the emotional ensemble.

Despite debates over the old versus new emotions, the inclusion of the new characters is deliberate, aiming to inject freshness into the sequel. Sequels often require innovation, and the introduction of new characters serves this purpose. With potential to resonate with audiences and critics alike, Inside Out 2 integrates the four new emotions seamlessly into its narrative.

In an interview with Animation Scoop, producer Mark Nielson highlighted the importance of bringing novelty to the sequel, emphasizing the film's commitment to delivering a unique and compelling storyline.