Casting a live-action movie version of Inside Out would be fascinating as each emotion would allow the actors to both add to and amplify these roles. Inside Out and Inside Out 2 were films that not only created a new, fun cast of characters but also truly examined the intricacies of growing up. Though updates on a potential Inside Out 3 remain minimal, the success of Inside Out 2 does make another glimpse into the lives of these emotions highly likely.
Even so, Inside Out's portrayal of each life stage and the emotions that come with it does not need to be limited to animation. A live-action Inside Out film would reiterate the beats of the franchise, especially regarding the emotions and their hijinks. Those characterizations would be the most vital part of a live-action film to get right, as their actions drive the plot and showcase the ultimate message of both films. Fortunately, there are several actors and actresses who would be up to the task of balancing this franchise's humor and heart.
9 Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This)
Joy - Originally Voiced By Amy Poehler
Kristen Bell could capture the energy and emotional vulnerability of Joy in Inside Out as she showed a version of it in Nobody Wants This. Bell's Joanne in the Netflix series has a more jaded version of Joy's bubbly personality which could easily be shifted to incorporate her energy.
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Nobody Wants This also demonstrates Bell's ability to be vulnerable, which is an important aspect of the character as Joy cries in Inside Out and experiences many moments of catharsis throughout her journey.
8 Kaliko Kauahi (Superstore)
Sadness - Originally Voiced By Phyllis Smith
Kaliko Kauahi's time as Sandra in Superstore would allow her to showcase Sadness' inspiring arc and particular humor in Inside Out. Sandra in Superstore shares Sadness' low self-esteem and lack of confidence, which shifts and grows during the ending of Inside Out as she learns how truly important her role is. Kauahi would be able to balance the key parts of Sadness' personality with the comedic parts of her character, giving her arc the same impact as the original film.
7 Danny DeVito (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
Anger - Originally Voiced By Lewis Black
Danny DeVito's many roles, including Frank in It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, would easily let him showcase both Anger's rage and gentleness in Inside Out. Frank's particular energy and quick temper are a perfect match for Anger's in both films, making him one of the more energetic characters in Inside Out. Conversely, DeVito's more serious roles and natural warmth would let him capture Anger's gentleness in Inside Out 2 as he encourages Joy to keep going after she gives up on getting them back to Headquarters.
6 Keegan-Michael Key (Keanu)
Fear - Originally Voiced By Bill Hader
His storied comedic career and ever-present anxiety in Keanu would allow Keegan-Michael Key to easily capture Fear's anxious nature and over-preparedness in Inside Out. Key's role as the rightly frightened and anxious Clarence in Keanu matches many of Fear's own beats, with his action experience easily fitting with Fear's ability to counteract scary situations, such as the parachute scene in Inside Out 2. Key's comedic tone and timing also work well for the character, letting him capture both the frantic and resigned humor in many of Fear's memorable quotes in Inside Out.
5 Annie Murphy (Schitt's Creek)
Disgust - Originally Voiced By Mindy Kaling
Annie Murphy's Alexis from Schitt's Creek would allow her to tackle the role with ease, as she perfectly mirrors Disgust's fashion sense, personality, and empathy in Inside Out. Alexis' love of fashion, distinct ideas on what is acceptable, and ability to navigate social situations match many of Disgust's best moments in both films. However, it is Alexis' empathy and good heart that truly make Murphy a strong candidate, as Disgust's own empathy alongside of Anger helps Joy overcome her sorrow and leads to Inside Out 2's ending.
4 Anna Kendrick (Mr. Right)
Anxiety - Originally Voiced By Maya Hawke
Her performance as the anxious but kind Martha in Mr. Right adds to Anna Kendrick's personable demeanor, making her an ideal choice to play Anxiety in Inside Out. Anxiety in Inside Out 2 means well but is ultimately harmful, as her plans to assist end up causing more damage. Kendrick's Martha balances that anxious nature and desire for perfection with a warm personality, making her an easy protagonist to root for and a great choice to capture Anxiety's complexity in the film.
3 Joe Locke (Heartstopper)
Embarrassment - Originally Voiced By Paul Walter Hauser
Joe Locke would easily be able to embody Embarrassment's shy nature and later determination to help in Inside Out, as he already embodies both in Charlie from Heartstopper. Though he is one of the new emotions in Inside Out 2, Embarrassment does not get much of an arc. That being said, what few beats he does get he uses to help the original five emotions, gaining some confidence in the process. This journey mirrors that of Charlie, whose battles with anxiety and quiet until comfortable personality can be easily transferred over by Locke to depict the character.
2 Tiffany Haddish (Tuca & Bertie)
Envy - Originally Voiced By Ayo Edebiri
Haddish's ability to blend intensity with comedy, as seen in her role as Tuca in Tuca & Bertie, makes her an ideal choice to embody Envy's sweet but strong personality in Inside Out. Tuca's energy and humor fit many aspects of Envy, whose kindness is often tinged with an uncomfortable edge. Haddish would be able to balance those two sides easily, adding in her own sharp wit to build onto the character and her best moments in Inside Out 2.
1 Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation)
Aubrey Plaza's deadpan delivery and ability to shift emotionally on a dime, as highlighted in her role in Parks and Recreation, fits Ennui's perpetually unbothered persona in Inside Out. Plaza's time as April showcased her ability to balance character progression and deadpan humor, crafting a full, funny character who rarely seemed to be invested in the world around her. This would work perfectly for Ennui as, despite being one of the quieter emotions in Inside Out 2, she still has her strong moments, such as when she loses her phone during the second Inside Out film's climax.
Pixar Animation's Inside Out tells the story of a little girl named Riley and her emotions. Inside Riley's mind exists the emotions that control her actions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. When Riley is forced to relocate to a new city, her emotions fall out of balance with disastrous results for the young girl's life, prompting the five emotions to work together to help Riley through her troubles.
Release Date June 19, 2015
Runtime 95 minutes
Budget 175 million
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English (US) ·