Pixar Writer Reveals Huge Plans For ‘Inside Out’ Franchise

Pixar‘s Inside Out franchise might just be getting started, according to Pixar writer Dave Holstein, who revealed that early development on Inside Out 3 is already underway. The excitement surrounding the Inside Out franchise has only grown since Inside Out 2 hit theaters in 2024, nearly a decade after the original film. While the sequel received slightly more mixed reviews compared to its predecessor, its box office performance told a different story. The movie grossed nearly $1.7 billion globally, marking a massive win for both Disney and Pixar while cementing Inside Out as a critical tentpole in the animation studio’s lineup.

Much like the original, Inside Out 2 earned numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Throughout the awards season, writer Dave Holstein has consistently shared his enthusiasm for exploring more of Riley’s mind in future films. He’d previously mentioned that Riley’s story offers plenty of room for growth, with potential sequels introducing new emotions as she navigates college and transitions into adulthood.

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During an interview with The Direct‘s Russ Milheim at the 52nd annual Saturn Awards, Holstein not only confirmed the third installment but also hinted at ambitions for the series to continue well beyond a trilogy. “Yeah, minimal. I mean, I would say that we’re still enjoying the wave of fun, this second film. But I have no doubt that at some point a third, and hopefully, in my opinion, four through six, seven, eight, Inside Out should happen,” Holstein shared. While Disney and Pixar have not officially announced Inside Out 3, Holstein’s comments suggest that there is already plenty of narrative potential on the table.

Pixar Writer Discusses The Future Of Inside Out

Holstein, who co-wrote Inside Out 2 with Meg LeFauve, suggested that the franchise’s main character, Riley, will enter a new chapter of her life in future films, providing fresh storytelling opportunities. “In every new movie, you want the game to change, and every sequel, you want the game to change at its foundation. And what’s great about having Riley be the engine of this franchise is that she’s going to enter a different chapter of her life where the foundation does change,” Holstein said. “The things you want in life change, and who you are changes. Your sense of self changes. You know, it’s a fascinating from a writer’s perspective, you’re given new fodder to create something cool.”

Holstein also touched on a particular moment from Inside Out 2 that struck a chord with audiences, particularly older viewers. He noted the impact of Joy’s line, “Maybe she doesn’t exist as we get older,” and expressed a desire to explore this theme further in future installments. “My hope was that there could be a story in the sequel that was about what happens to Joy as she gets older.” With such a strong showing at the box office and an evident appetite for more, the Inside Out series could continue exploring the complex emotions of growing up for years to come.

Source: The Direct