Casting a live-action movie version ofInside Outwould be fascinating as each emotion would allow the actors to both add to and amplify these roles.Inside OutandInside Out 2were films that not only created a new, fun cast of characters but also truly examined the intricacies of growing up. Thoughupdates on a potentialInside Out 3remain minimal,the success ofInside Out 2does make another glimpse into the lives of these emotions highly likely.
Even so,Inside Out’sportrayal of each life stageand the emotions that come with it does not need to be limited to animation. A live-actionInside Outfilm 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.
9Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This)
Joy - Originally Voiced By Amy Poehler
Kristen Bell could capture the energy and emotional vulnerability of Joy inInside Outas she showed a version of it inNobody Wants This.Bell’s Joanne in the Netflix series has a more jaded version of Joy’s bubbly personalitywhich could easily be shifted to incorporate her energy.
Inside Out 2 Voice Cast: Every New, Returning & Recast Character
The Inside Out 2 cast is missing some major players from the first film, but the Pixar sequel brings back plenty of iconic voice actors.
Nobody Wants Thisalso demonstrates Bell’s ability to be vulnerable,which is an important aspect of the character asJoy cries inInside Outand experiences many moments of catharsis throughout her journey.
8Kaliko Kauahi (Superstore)
Sadness - Originally Voiced By Phyllis Smith
Kaliko Kauahi’s time as Sandra inSuperstorewould allow her to showcase Sadness' inspiring arc and particular humor inInside Out.Sandra inSuperstoreshares Sadness' low self-esteem and lack of confidence, which shifts and grows during theending ofInside Outas 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.
7Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
Anger - Originally Voiced By Lewis Black
Danny DeVito’s many roles, including Frank inIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,would easily let him showcase both Anger’s rage and gentleness inInside Out.Frank’s particular energy and quick temper are a perfect match for Anger’s in both films, making him one of the more energeticcharacters inInside Out.Conversely, DeVito’s more serious roles and natural warmth would let him capture Anger’s gentleness inInside Out 2as he encourages Joy to keep going after she gives up on getting them back to Headquarters.
6Keegan-Michael Key (Keanu)
Fear - Originally Voiced By Bill Hader
His storied comedic career and ever-present anxiety inKeanuwould allow Keegan-Michael Key to easily capture Fear’s anxious nature and over-preparedness inInside Out.Key’s role as the rightly frightened and anxious Clarence inKeanumatches 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 inInside 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’smemorable quotes inInside Out.
5Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek)
Disgust - Originally Voiced By Mindy Kaling
Annie Murphy’s Alexis fromSchitt’s Creekwould allow her to tackle the role with ease,as she perfectlymirrors Disgust’s fashion sense, personality, and empathy inInside 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 toInside Out 2’sending.
4Anna Kendrick (Mr. Right)
Anxiety - Originally Voiced By Maya Hawke
Her performance as the anxious but kind Martha inMr. Rightadds to Anna Kendrick’s personable demeanor,making her an ideal choice to play Anxiety inInside Out.Anxiety inInside Out 2means 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.
3Joe 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 inInside Out,as he already embodies both in Charlie fromHeartstopper.Though he is one of thenew emotions inInside 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.
2Tiffany Haddish (Tuca & Bertie)
Envy - Originally Voiced By Ayo Edebiri
Haddish’s ability to blend intensity with comedy, as seen in her role as Tuca inTuca & Bertie,makes her an ideal choice to embody Envy’s sweet but strong personality inInside 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 herbest moments inInside Out 2.
1Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation)
Aubrey Plaza’s deadpan delivery and ability to shift emotionally on a dime, as highlighted in her role inParks and Recreation,fits Ennui’s perpetually unbothered persona inInside 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 quieteremotions inInside Out 2, she still has her strong moments, such as when she loses her phone during the secondInside Outfilm’s climax.
Inside Out
Inside Out is an animated film by Pixar Animation Studios, released in 2015. It centers on 11-year-old Riley, whose move to a new city causes emotional upheaval. Her Emotions, embodied by Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness, collaborate to navigate the challenges of her new environment.
