Emotions we wish were a part of ‘Inside Out 2’

When Inside Out first hit theatres in 2015, we were all floored by how Pixar took us on an emotional rollercoaster through the mind (also known as headquarters) of 11-year-old Riley. Well, buckle up, because Inside Out 2 is back, and it’s more like an emotional rollercoaster on steroids! This time, we dive even deeper into Riley’s mind, exploring new emotions, fresh challenges, and a few surprises that will leave you grinning from ear to ear—or reaching for the tissues.

In an interview with an American platform, Pixar screenwriter Meg LeFauve shared how the team considered adding shame and guilt to their emotional rollercoaster. According to LeFauve, shame was supposed to be a self-loathing frenemy who shows up uninvited, while guilt was seen as more of an annoying behaviour than a full-blown emotion. Additionally, director Kelsey Mann revealed at a Pixar Studios press conference that Riley was originally set to experience a plethora of feelings, including jealousy, Schadenfreude (delighting in others’ misfortunes), awe, hope, irritation, and greed.

Inside Out 2 centres on Riley navigating her teenage years, a time when emotions are as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are back, along with a few new emotions invading the headquarters, each with their quirky takes on Riley’s ever-evolving experiences.

As you grow older, you experience a rollercoaster of emotions—infatuation with your first crush, the first “oops” moment that turns you red, among others. And while Pixar covered most of the emotions, here is a list of a few more that could’ve been perfect for the plot. 

Loneliness

Loneliness is the quiet, persistent emotion that creeps in when Riley feels disconnected. Whether moving to a new city or feeling left out at school, Loneliness makes Riley feel isolated, even in a crowded room. Picture Loneliness as a shadowy figure lurking in the background, always waiting for a moment to strike.

Hanger

Forget Joy and Sadness, we need Hanger in the mix. Imagine Hanger’s constant internal monologue: “When’s the next snack?” “Is that pizza I smell?” Hanger would have Riley raiding the fridge at 3 am and turning into a beast if she didn’t get her midday snack. Hangry Riley is a force to be reckoned with!

Regret

Regret is the wise, old sage who never shuts up about the past. Did Riley skip studying for that big test to hang out with friends? Regret’s got a running commentary on that for days. “Why did I say that?” “Why didn’t I do this?” Regret would be the emotion that makes Riley second-guess every decision, both big and small.

Infatuation

Infatuation is Love’s hyper-cousin who’s always on cloud nine. Infatuation makes Riley obsess over that cute classmate, doodle their name all over her notebook, and replay every interaction a million times. Infatuation’s motto? “It’s love at first sight,” even if it’s only been five minutes.

Pride

Pride is the peppy cheerleader who’s always ready to pump Riley up. Got an A on that test? Pride’s there with pom-poms and a megaphone. Made the hockey team? Pride’s already planning a victory dance. With Pride around, Riley walks a little taller and shines slightly brighter.

So, there you have it! While we’re eagerly waiting for Inside Out 3, we can’t help but imagine how hilariously chaotic Riley’s headquarters would be with these extra emotions running the show.

Feature image credit: Getty Images

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