Inside Out 2 Explores New Emotions with the Introduction of Anxiety

Disney and Pixar's beloved animated film "Inside Out" is returning with a sequel, "Inside Out 2," set to introduce audiences to a new emotion: Anxiety. Voiced by Maya Hawke, Anxiety joins the colorful bunch of emotions residing in Riley's mind as she navigates the challenges of her teenage years.

The sequel, set for a summer release, continues the story of Riley's emotions, further exploring the complexities of human emotions. The creators recently revealed an exciting new image from the film, showcasing Anxiety and Envy alongside the original emotions—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear—in the headquarters of Riley's mind.

Maya Hawke, known for her roles in "Stranger Things" and "Mainstream," shared her emotional journey with the character of Anxiety, revealing that she cried during the audition. "There’s something about this story and these characters that I think really brings fundamental truths about our experience to the surface," she explains. "It’s so relatable, so emotional, so pure, that whether you want to or not, you use what you have and what you’ve been through."

Describing her audition experience, Hawke expressed her immediate connection with the character. "I was pitched the character with an intriguing character image and I was like, 'YES, that’s ME! That’s the Velma Dinkley [of Scooby-Doo fame] part I’ve always dreamed of, with the orange and the skirt and stripes and the teeth!'" Her passion for the role ultimately led her to desperately pursue it, believing that auditions require actors to infuse parts of themselves into the characters they portray.

"Inside Out 2" features an ensemble cast, with Amy Poehler returning as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, the film is set to hit theaters on June 14, 2024, promising another emotional and insightful journey into the depths of human emotions.