Amy Poehler pitched a brilliant plan for future Inside Out sequels, and the Pixar franchise would benefit from using it to produce a third, fourth, and even fifth film after the second movie is out. The original Inside Out is among Pixar’s highest-grossing movies of all time, and Inside Out 2 is poised to end the box office struggles the studio is currently facing. Both movies revolve around Riley Andersen and the emotions she experiences — all of which take the form of actual characters interacting inside her brain.

Inside Out 2 adds an interesting twist to this concept, as the sequel sees Riley grappling with puberty and all the new feelings that accompany it. Inside Out 2‘s new emotions hilariously tackle concepts like anxiety and ennui, painting a painfully accurate portrait of becoming a teenager. Riley’s aging provides the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the original movie’s premise with new characters and storylines that feel like natural progressions. Poehler, who voices Joy in the Pixar movies, is right that this can continue well beyond Inside Out 2.

Amy Poehler’s Inside Out Sequel Plan Is Perfect

Following Riley Through Different Milestones Will Keep Things Fresh

During a conversation with Empire, Inside Out 2 star Poehler pitched the idea of having future sequels follow Riley over the course of her life. Although puberty is one of the most tumultuous periods of one’s lifetime — making it an obvious target for a sequel — Inside Out 2‘s premise could be applied to any time period wrought with change. As Poehler told the outlet, “A young adult, and a young mother, and I think a middle-aged person — everyone’s having these very distinct new emotions that are showing up all the time.”

Poehler is correct that all of these milestones would make fascinating character studies, and anyone who’s gone through them will be able to appreciate a lighthearted and humorous approach to the emotional challenges. With Poehler’s plan, viewers could follow Riley to college, see her starting a career and family, and even watch as she comes to terms with aging. What makes this idea even more compelling is that Inside Out‘s original audience will grow up alongside Riley, much like Toy Story‘s fan base did with Andy. This would make these sequels relatable while keeping them fresh.

Riley Must Be The Basis For Any Future Inside Out Sequels

Poehler’s Inside Out sequel pitch is a natural means of extending the Pixar franchise, and it enables it to remain focused on Riley rather than jumping to a new protagonist. As viewers already know and love Riley, this is a smart move. It could be difficult to sell audiences on new characters, but Riley and her primary emotions can stay at the center of the series if Pixar takes this approach. This will make future sequels feel natural and less like cash grabs, cementing Inside Out as one of Pixar’s best series yet.

Source: Empire