‘Inside Out 3’ Might Happen, Says…

Potential for More in the Inside Out Universe

The Inside Out franchise seems poised for expansion. At the Critics’ Choice Awards, director Kelsey Mann and producer Mark Nielsen suggested a sequel may be on the horizon. Yet, nothing is set in stone just yet.

“There are many roads to explore,” Nielsen noted when discussing the franchise’s future. “So many emotions to delve into and phases in Riley’s life to see.” Still, he added cautiously, “There’s no project underway right now.” Despite this, the success of the previous films indicates a third installment could be a natural progression.

Inside Out 2’s Record-Breaking Success

Released in 2024, Inside Out 2 shattered records. It grossed an astounding $1.699 billion globally, becoming the top-earning animated film to date. Disney, ever watchful of financial success, would be remiss to leave this golden opportunity unexplored.

Amidst these discussions, Mann hinted at untapped narrative potential. “We have many emotions we didn’t use,” he teased. “There are certainly possibilities.”

Inside Out 2 introduced a new range of emotions. Returning characters like Joy, Sadness, and Anger were joined by Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. June Squibb’s Nostalgia lovingly reminisced over Riley’s childhood moments.

Crafting a Relatable Narrative

Interestingly, early drafts of Inside Out 2 had a darker edge. Mann shared that an emotion named Shame, an embodiment of self-criticism, was part of initial scripts. It was ultimately removed to keep the film’s tone relatable and engaging.

To ensure authenticity, Mann employed an unusual strategy: showing various drafts to real teenagers. Their feedback shaped the final cut, resonating deeply with audiences.

For those eager to revisit these adventures, both Inside Out films are available for streaming on Disney+. With such a rich world and compelling characters, Disney’s next move feels imminent.

Do you have thoughts on the potential for another sequel? Share your ideas in the comments!