Inside Out 2 has made a remarkable impact since its release, becoming one of the most successful animated films ever. The sequel, directed by Kelsey Mann, premiered in theaters on June 14, 2024, and quickly captivated audiences worldwide. Within just days, it set multiple records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated film ever, surpassing $1 billion in global earnings. It is also the 13th highest-grossing film of all time. On Disney+, it became the biggest new release of 2024, garnering 30.5 million views within its first five days.
For Mann, the success of Inside Out 2 was beyond anything he could have imagined. “I hoped it would do well, but I never thought it would do this well across the globe. It’s incredible,” he shared in a recent interview. The director credits the original film’s powerful concept, created by Pete Docter, as a driving force behind its success. Inside Out’s exploration of emotions resonated deeply with audiences of all ages, and the sequel has continued to evoke that same emotional connection.
Taking the Helm from Pete Docter
Kelsey Mann’s journey to directing Inside Out 2 started with a conversation with Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, and the director of the original Inside Out. Docter had no immediate ideas for a sequel, so Mann took it upon himself to explore potential concepts. “Pete said, ‘I don’t have an idea for a sequel—go for it,'” Mann recalls. It was during this brainstorming process that Mann hit upon the idea of focusing on Riley as a teenager, a concept that felt rich in possibilities for both humor and drama.
Mann’s first step in developing the sequel was to analyze what made his favorite movie sequels successful. He was determined to avoid simply repeating the first film’s formula, opting instead to craft a story that felt fresh and original. “The sooner you start thinking of this film as an original, the better,” Mann reflected, noting that many of his favorite sequels had an element of originality that made them stand out. He realized that, at the heart of it, the film needed to explore something deeply personal and relatable.
Inspiration From Personal Experience
One of the standout aspects of Inside Out 2 is its emotional depth. Mann drew heavily from his own experiences as a teenager, bringing a personal touch to the story. He shared a memory from his childhood that became a crucial inspiration for the movie’s central theme. While scanning his childhood birthday photos, Mann was struck by a particular image: a photo of him as a five-year-old, surrounded by family, beaming with happiness. But as he looked at later photos, he noticed a shift in his demeanor. By age 13, his smile had faded, replaced by a sense of self-consciousness and discomfort with being the center of attention.
“I hated being sung ‘Happy Birthday’ to at that age,” Mann recalled. “I hated the attention. I hated everyone looking at me.” This feeling of not being ‘good enough’ became a key emotional thread in Inside Out 2. Mann wanted to create a story that explored the universal struggle of self-doubt, particularly during adolescence. “I wanted to do a movie that deals with that feeling, the feeling of not being good enough,” he explained.
When Mann pitched this concept to the studio, he knew it would resonate. “It has everything we want in a follow-up. It has a lot of possibilities for drama, emotion, and humor—that’s what makes a Pixar film work,” he said. The studio quickly saw the potential in this approach, and Inside Out 2 was born.
The Challenges of Creating a Sequel
Despite the support from Pete Docter, Mann felt the weight of the task at hand. Making a sequel to one of Pixar’s most beloved films came with immense pressure. “I felt like I was directing Empire Strikes Back,” Mann admitted, referencing the iconic Star Wars sequel. He was keenly aware of the legacy of Inside Out and wanted to ensure that the sequel lived up to the original’s impact.
Mann frequently consulted with Pete Docter throughout the production process, viewing him as a guiding force in the creation of the sequel. “I always tell Pete, you’re like the George Lucas of the Inside Out world,” Mann said. “He knows the rules, he knows the world.” Mann was grateful for Docter’s unwavering support and creative input, which allowed him to bring his own voice to the project.
Expanding the World of Inside Out
Inside Out 2 introduces new elements to the Inside Out universe, including new emotions and concepts. One of the major changes was expanding the emotional console to accommodate new emotions that are particularly relevant to adolescence, such as Anxiety. Additionally, Mann introduced the concept of a “Belief System,” which plays a crucial role in Riley’s development as a teenager. These new emotions, which include the four central characters, are all focused on the theme of self-consciousness—a hallmark of the teenage years.
Mann shared that early feedback on the film encouraged him to simplify the emotional landscape. After careful consideration, he decided to focus on emotions that most directly relate to the teenage experience, particularly those linked to self-awareness and comparison to others. This decision led to the inclusion of emotions like Anxiety, which thrive in the teenage years as young people grapple with social dynamics and self-perception.
While these new emotions played a key role in the film, Mann also hinted that there were many ideas left unexplored. “We may have more emotions left on the drawing board,” he teased. “But for now, the focus was on those that are really thriving when you’re a teenager.”
The Global Success of Inside Out 2
Since its release, Inside Out 2 has shattered expectations, both at the box office and on streaming platforms. The film’s financial success—becoming the first animated film to surpass $1 billion in earnings—solidified its place in cinematic history. On Disney+, the film quickly became the most-watched new movie of 2024, attracting millions of viewers within days of its premiere. The success of Inside Out 2 is not just measured by its box office earnings, but by the way it has touched audiences worldwide.
For Mann, the film’s success is about more than just the numbers. “It’s really a testament to what Pete Docter did with the first film, dealing with emotions that everyone can relate to,” he said. He has received countless messages from people of all walks of life, including therapists, parents, and educators, who have shared how deeply Inside Out 2 resonates with them.
What’s Next for Inside Out?
As for the future of Inside Out, there has been no official confirmation of a third film yet. However, given the success of Inside Out 2 and the wealth of emotional terrain still to explore, it’s likely that the franchise will continue. For now, Kelsey Mann is basking in the success of his first major directorial effort. “I never thought it would be this big,” he said, reflecting on the unexpected success of Inside Out 2. Whatever comes next for the franchise, it’s clear that the emotional depth and creativity of this series will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
In a world where animated films often blur the line between entertainment and life lessons, Inside Out 2 stands out as a powerful exploration of adolescence, self-worth, and emotional growth. As long as the sequel continues to resonate with audiences, the journey of Riley—and the colorful emotions guiding her—may just be far from over.