Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2015 film, has finally arrived, inviting audiences back into the emotional world of Riley. While early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, generating buzz and excitement, there’s no need to rush to the cinema immediately. You have plenty of time to experience this animated adventure on the big screen.
Moviegoers are eagerly returning to Riley’s emotional headquarters in Inside Out 2, which officially premiered in theaters. Initial reactions suggest that this installment might even surpass its predecessor, a significant achievement considering Inside Out‘s status as one of Pixar’s most critically acclaimed movies. Many original voice cast members reprise their roles, including Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger. The sequel also introduces new emotions voiced by notable actors, such as Maya Hawke as Anxiety, Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment, June Squibb as Nostalgia, and Ayo Edebiri as Envy.
Directed by Kelsey Mann, Inside Out 2 portrays a teenage Riley navigating the complexities of high school, friendships, and the turbulent landscape of teenage emotions. As expected, this coming-of-age story delves into challenges and emotional upheaval as Riley grapples with emerging anxieties and the disruptions of puberty, symbolized by a literal “puberty alarm.” Anxiety takes center stage, complicating Riley’s self-confidence and passions, particularly her love for hockey, pushing Joy and the other core emotions somewhat to the periphery.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, a positive resolution is anticipated, staying true to Pixar’s storytelling tradition. But beyond the narrative, the question arises: how will Inside Out 2 perform at the box office? Jim Morris, president of Pixar Animation, seems optimistic about its theatrical prospects.
Expect a 100-Day Theatrical Run for Inside Out 2
For those following entertainment industry trends, it’s clear that recent times have presented challenges for Disney and Pixar Animation. Last year’s Elemental experienced a slow start domestically, although it eventually found international success, while Wish, intended to celebrate Disney’s centennial, underperformed significantly, incurring substantial losses for the studio, estimated at $131 million according to Variety. The underperformance of 2022’s Strange World further underscores these difficulties.
However, sequels and established franchises often represent safer financial bets. This context informs Morris’s recent statement in a Bloomberg interview, where he indicated that Inside Out 2 is slated for an extended theatrical run of approximately “about 100 days.” Typically, movies play in theaters for around 40 days, with major blockbusters sometimes extending for several months. Given Inside Out 2‘s June 14th release date, a 100-day run suggests it could remain in cinemas until mid-to-late September, roughly 14 weeks.
Morris explained this decision by highlighting the original Inside Out‘s substantial commercial success, which grossed over $800 million globally in 2015. He stated to Bloomberg, “With a sequel, if you put something out there that doesn’t have the goods, then you will be punished for it. Having had the doldrums we did, it will certainly be a good test with Inside Out 2 for us to see: Does this stuff still work, or does it not?” This extended theatrical window signals Pixar’s confidence in the film’s quality and box office appeal.
Morris’s comments also indirectly address Disney’s direct-to-Disney+ release strategy, which impacted Pixar films like Soul (2020) and Turning Red (2022), despite their critical acclaim. “I hope that we will not release another feature film on Disney+,” he added. “If we do more stuff for Disney+, it should be a series, and then that makes a clean demarcation between what we do for theaters and what we do for streaming.” This suggests a potential shift back towards prioritizing theatrical releases for Pixar’s feature films.
The duration of Inside Out 2‘s theatrical run is somewhat contingent on its opening weekend performance. However, initial projections are optimistic, suggesting a strong start for the sequel. Its release timing during the summer box office season, coinciding with Father’s Day weekend, coupled with the established fanbase, positions it favorably for success. Analysts, as reported by Deadline, predict a global opening of $135 million for the film. If these projections hold true, Inside Out 2 could potentially outperform earlier 2024 releases like Dune: Part Two, benefiting from its family-friendly rating and broad appeal. A box office failure seems unlikely at this point.
Therefore, if you’re planning to see Inside Out 2 in theaters, you can likely plan your visit without undue haste. It is expected to be playing for a considerable time. Currently, Disney and Pixar have not announced a date for its home release, but it’s plausible to expect it to be available for streaming around fall. For now, the cinematic experience remains the primary way to enjoy the return of Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, and the new emotions, which are already earning high praise. Consider catching it on the big screen soon to fully appreciate the emotional journey.
