Summary
TheInside Outmovies have drawn multiple comparisons to Pixar’sToy Storyfranchise, but there is one pivotal decision that future sequels cannot follow. TheToy StoryandInside Outmoviesmight not appear to be all that similar on the surface thanks to drastically different premises. One is about toys that are alive, and the other is about the emotions inside everyone. And yet, both franchises have shown an incredible knack for exploring what it means to grow up and the various difficulties that can come with that.
Just as theToy Storymovies followed Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they made it through formidable years of Andy’s life, theInside Outfilms follow Riley and her emotions at different important moments. Whether it is moving to a new city or going through puberty and figuring out who she wants to be, Riley’s life has been the focal point of the first two installments. WithInside Out 2’s box officeincreasing the likelihood that more movies will happen, theToy Storycomparisons could only continue. But Pixar must avoid repeating one major decision.
Inside Out vs. Inside Out 2: Which Pixar Movie Is Better
Inside Out and Inside Out 2 are both excellent movies, but when comparing their story, animation, cast, and big emotional ending, one stands out.
Inside Out 3 Cannot Replace Riley Like Toy Story 3 Did With Andy
Toy Story 3 Introduced Andy’s Replacement
Looking ahead toInside Out 3, there is a strong likelihood that the movie will age Riley up more to put her at another pivotal point in life, such as graduating high school or college. This would be quite similar toToy Story 3, which focused on Andy leaving for college and getting to the point where he was ready to give up his toys. This allowed Pixar to move Andy out of the franchise, with Bonnie inheriting Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of his old toys and being the human lead inToy Story 4.
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The results ofToy Story 3andToy Story 4critically and commercially speak for themselves, as the films were massively successful even as Andy’s story ended. However,Inside Out 3would make a terrible mistake by trying to do something similar and replace Riley. TheToy Storyfranchise moved on from Andy while still giving audiences the versions of Woody, Buzz, and others they’ve come to know and love. This would not be possible withInside Out 3, asreplacing Riley as the human lead would mean an entirely new group of emotions.
Riley Is A Much Bigger Key To Inside Out Than Andy Is To Toy Story
It’s Her Life & Emotions
Replacing Riley is no easy task for theInside Outfranchise based on how the first two movies have utilized her. Most of the movies occur within her mind, with Joy and the other emotions serving as the main characters. But everything they do is directly connected to Riley’s life and how she is feeling.Inside Out 2took this a step further byshowing even more of Riley’s perspective instead of relying almost solely on the emotions. By exploring more of her life and emotions, audiences develop a strong connection to Riley.
TheToy Storymoviestake a very different approach with Andy. He had minimal screen time in the first two movies, butToy Story 3focused more on him and his life so that the film’s ending would resonate. Even then, the main conflict and dilemma come from the toys and their experiences. The films never took too much of the focus away from the toys, asWoody and Buzz are the main characters, not Andy.Inside Outis different since Riley and her emotions are one and the same.
Inside Out Not Replacing Riley Is Best For The Franchise
There’s So Much More Of Riley’s Life To Explore
There do not appear to be any plans to replace Riley as the human lead of theInside Outfranchise, at least not anytime soon, and that’s a good thing.Toy Storymanaged to replace Andy without impacting the story too much, but that would not be the same ifInside Out 3or another sequel opted to focus on someone else’s mind. That could be a concept worth exploring at some point but only after Riley’s story is completely wrapped up.Inside Out 2’s endingproves it is only the beginning.
TheInside Outfranchise has only followed Riley’s life over the course of a few years, leaving her as a first-year student in high school. With Amy Poehler expressing an interest in going well beyond this point,going up to Riley’s adult life is worthwhile. Showing her in college, finding a career, and falling in love are just a few possibilities for her story’s continuation. Doing this with Joy, Anxiety, and other emotions helping craft Riley into the person she is can allow futureInside Outmovies to find new depths to explore instead of retreading familiar waters.
