Clever Inside Out 3 Fan Theory Suggests Exciting New Direction for the Franchise

Overview

The narrative of “Inside Out 3″may delve into complex themes such as Riley’s experience with grief and the introduction of a new emotional facet.
By treating “Inside Out 3″as an independent film, it can satisfy enthusiasts while simultaneously broadening Riley’s emotional landscape.
This enriched storyline would resonate with viewers who have faced loss and preserve the franchise’s profound emotional themes.

Pixar has consistently endeared itself to both children and adults, with 2014’s Inside Out standing out as one of its most insightful and entertaining works. As fans eagerly anticipate news regarding Inside Out 3, numerous theories and ideas are surfacing regarding Riley’s evolving journey. The original film portrayed Riley as a child grappling with a significant life transition, while its sequel explored her tumultuous teenage emotions.

If a third installment were commissioned, it stands to reason that Riley would encounter yet another new emotion, opening the door for various engaging narratives within the Pixar franchise. Among a plethora of fan theories circulating on Reddit, one compelling concept stands out — a poignant exploration of Riley’s life during a time of personal hardship.

An Intriguing Fan Theory Surrounding Riley’s Grief

Riley in a classroom scene from Inside Out

A thought-provoking discussion on Reddit, introduced by user @UnderCoverDonuts, suggested that Riley might face the loss of a parent. The user articulated:

“Put Riley in her early college years, and have her deal with the death of one of her parents. There are a lot of emotions that complicate the process, and honestly from that perspective, it could make a very entertaining story with a huge message about mental health.”

This sentiment found resonance with user @ProperCash4497, who added:

“Grief is a subject that I think is important for kids and adults to understand. It’s pretty heavy for a kids movie but important for mental health.”

Incorporating themes of therapy and coping, it would be fitting for Riley to engage in counseling after experiencing the loss of a parent. This profound, albeit heavy, narrative could provide a more mature storyline compared to its predecessors, aligning well with Pixar’s appeal across age groups.

Imagining Riley’s internal emotional control center navigating her grief offers fascinating storytelling potential. Various emotions could contend to help Riley through this difficult transition. The inclusion of Anxiety, introduced in Inside Out 2, could further enrich the narrative as Riley grapples with her feelings post-loss. This dynamic would resonate deeply with audiences who have experienced similar bereavements.

Continuing the trend established by its predecessors, Inside Out 3 should aspire to deliver a message of hope and understanding. Following Riley’s emotional journey in coping with a parent’s death could not only provide a compelling storyline but also serve as a beneficial exploration for many individuals navigating grief.

Insights from Inside Out 2 Director, Kelsey Mann

In June 2024, director Kelsey Mann shared her insights during an interview with A Frame regarding her approach to creating Inside Out 2. She emphasized the importance of maintaining “originality”when venturing into sequels, stating:

“You have a lot of rules that are already figured out, and you can’t break those rules. You have to stay true to them. One thing that was really important to me very early on was the sense of doing something that expands the world. I got some really great advice early on. One of the directors at Pixar told me, ‘The sooner you start thinking of this film as an original, the better off you’re going to be.’”

Thus, it would be beneficial to view Inside Out 3 as a standalone film, distinct from its predecessors while retaining the cherished characters that fans adore. With careful execution, Pixar has the opportunity to craft a narrative that resonates across generations.

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