The team behind ‘Inside Out 2’ reflects on the challenges and innovations in crafting a sequel that stays true to the original while exploring new territory

As the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved original film approaches, the craftsmen and women behind “Inside Out 2” share insights into the creative process of reimagining Riley’s world and introducing a new array of emotions.

Returning to follow Riley Anderson during her tumultuous teenage years, “Inside Out 2” introduces a fresh set of emotions, disrupting the harmony meticulously curated by Joy. With the task of updating the world of “Inside Out” and incorporating new emotions like Anxiety, the craftspeople embarked on a journey to honour the legacy of the original while venturing into uncharted narrative territory.

For story artist Rebecca McVeigh, the challenge lay in striking a delicate balance between honouring the essence of the original characters and infusing the sequel with novel elements. “Inside Out’s cast of original five emotions are so distinctive,” McVeigh reflects. “You want to stay faithful and true to the original voice of those characters, but you’re also bringing something new because this is supposed to be a new story where we want to explore new ground.”

Drawing from his experience with the first film, cinematographer Adam Habib seized the opportunity to revisit visual themes while embracing innovative techniques. “That widescreen aspect ratio was a good reminder…that you can push things and revisit the visual themes of the movie,” Habib notes. With the introduction of anamorphic lenses and rendering, the team sought to enhance the cinematic experience while maintaining continuity with the original.

Meanwhile, production designer Jason Deamer faced the formidable task of recreating beloved characters from scratch, leveraging advancements in technology to imbue them with greater sophistication. “We basically started from scratch…to make it look like the original characters,” Deamer explains. Through meticulous attention to detail, the team endeavoured to preserve the iconic aesthetic of the first film while striving for artistic evolution.

The introduction of Anxiety posed a particularly daunting challenge for animation supervisors Evan Bonifacio and Dovi Anderson. Crafting controls for Anxiety’s expressive features and imbuing her with relatable qualities demanded innovative solutions. “The rig for one, just trying to figure out how to craft controls on that massive mouth of hers…was very tricky,” Bonifacio reflects.

Editor Maurissa Horwitz grappled with the rhythmic intricacies of incorporating new emotions into the narrative fabric. Adjusting the pacing and editing tempo to reflect the distinct energy of characters like Anxiety and Embarrassment required a nuanced approach. “If you made her too anxious right off the bat…it was going to be hard to live in that zone for the full movie,” Horwitz explains. Through meticulous editing, the team endeavoured to ensure seamless integration of new emotions while maintaining narrative cohesion.

As “Inside Out 2” prepares to captivate audiences once again, the dedicated efforts of its craftspeople stand as a testament to the enduring creativity and innovation of Pixar’s storytelling.

Analysis:

Social: The development of “Inside Out 2” reflects broader societal discussions surrounding mental health and emotional well-being. By introducing new emotions like Anxiety, the film expands the conversation surrounding the complexity of human emotions and the challenges faced during adolescence, resonating with audiences navigating similar experiences.

Psychological: The depiction of emotions in “Inside Out 2” underscores the psychological intricacies of human consciousness and emotional development. Through the exploration of characters like Anxiety, the film delves into the nuanced interplay between cognition and affect, offering insights into the internal struggles faced by individuals grappling with anxiety and uncertainty.

Cultural: “Inside Out 2” contributes to the cultural landscape by enriching the mythology of the original film and expanding the narrative universe. By introducing new characters and delving deeper into the emotional landscape of Riley’s world, the sequel offers audiences a fresh perspective on familiar themes, fostering continued engagement and dialogue within the fan community.