Inside Out 2: Pixar Co-Writer Clarifies Riley’s Emotions for Val

The eagerly awaited sequel, Inside Out 2, marks a significant evolution in the story of Riley as Pixar delves deeper into her emotional landscape. Unlike the original’s portrayal of an 11-year-old navigating early childhood challenges, the sequel catapults Riley into the complexities of high school life, introducing new characters and emotions, such as Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos).Riley, voiced by Kensington Tallman, must now contend with her status as the youngest among her peers while also grappling with her desire for respect from her teammate, Val (Lilimar Hernandez).

In a poignant interview with ScreenRant during the Critics’ Choice Awards, co-writer Dave Holstein shared insights into the nuanced relationship between Riley and Val. He emphasized the importance of introducing a character for Riley to admire, mirroring the dynamics of a freshman looking up to a senior. Holstein elaborated:

I think that the discussion throughout the entire film is just to give her someone to look up to, the way a freshman looks up to a senior. I mean, [it’s a] girl crush in that way, but it’s like there’s someone who… I always had this in school too, where you see someone who seems way older. They’re probably 18 months older, but they just found a confidence in themselves that speaks to where people want to be at that age in life. Frankly, it’s not even age, it’s confidence, and we wanted to give her that character to then give her anxiety, to then give us a movie.

What Val Represented For Riley In Inside Out 2

More Than Just A Crush

The transition from middle school to high school often presents considerable emotional hurdles. For Riley, who relocated just two years prior, this leap felt even more daunting. Not only was she shifting from being one of the oldest students to becoming the youngest, but she was also entering adolescence—a time fraught with new hormonal changes and responsibilities. Amidst her passion for hockey and the whirlwind of adjustments, Riley’s admiration for Val evolves into a pivotal aspect of her growth.

Despite initial speculation about Riley’s feelings potentially leaning toward romantic, it’s suggested that Pixar adopted a more reserved approach following the controversy surrounding Lightyear. Reports indicate the studio opted to soften Riley’s characterization to avoid backlash, which implies that while the connection with Val is significant, it remains framed more as a deep admiration than a romantic interest. Holstein’s characterization of it as a “girl crush”reinforces this interpretation, indicating that Riley’s experiences are primarily centered on seeking validation from a confident peer.

Riley’s Journey Continues

Future Romantic Explorations

Riley and Joe in Inside Out 2 — Image Created by Lukas Shayo

While there’s no official confirmation of Inside Out 3, the sequel paves the way for potential future stories, likely offering Riley the opportunity to explore romantic interests as she matures. It’s essential for her development to retain the flexibility for deeper explorations of relationships later on. Although it may feel disappointing that Pixar has yet to confirm Riley’s LGBTQ+ character alongside her connection to Val as merely a role model, the door remains open for further character development and emotional depth in subsequent films.

Co-writer Holstein has indicated that there is still a significant narrative potential for Riley. In an interview, he expressed a desire to depict her life journey every few years, envisioning a storyline that follows her into adulthood and into themes like motherhood. This prospect would naturally lead to an exploration of romance, adding depth to her character and addressing love as a core emotional experience.

Perspectives on Riley’s Affection for Val

Effective As Is For Now

Imagery from Inside Out 2 — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

While a romantic subplot could have provided additional layers to Riley’s narrative, the absence of this arc does not diminish the resonate nature of her story. The overarching themes of Inside Out 2 have struck a chord with audiences, reflected in its commendable scores of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 95% audience rating. The film has proven to be a box office sensation, raking in $1.7 billion globally, surpassing the original’s $859 million.

The sequel’s introduction of new settings, characters, and emotional landscapes demonstrated a balanced risk-taking approach by Pixar, illustrating their ability to resonate with viewers. With its success, the studio is now in a prime position to embrace new and bold directions in storytelling, particularly concerning Riley’s evolving narrative.

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