Pixar’s Inside Out is one of the studio’s most popular animated features, with a sequel finally on the way, but it almost looked completely different due to Joy originally being paired with another emotion instead of Sadness. Released in 2015, Inside Out has joined the lineup of sensational Pixar films that warm the hearts of viewers no matter how many times they watch them. Given how visually stunning and how carefully crafted each Pixar movie is, it’s no surprise that lots of changes are made to them along the way.
Inside Out, in particular, went through quite a journey before it became the movie that viewers know and love. The movie is known for its beautiful juxtaposition of emotions that eventually come together to give their host, Riley, a meaningful life. The main pairing, Joy and Sadness, almost didn’t happen, though, as the former nearly went on a journey with a different one of the core characters.
Joy Was Almost Paired With Fear On Her Inside Out Journey
Inside Out presents a raw and honest take on the tumultuous nature of emotions. The movie almost looked very different, however. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there was originally no big move that was making things tough for Riley. Instead, she was gearing up for middle school, and Joy was trying to hold on to the childhood version of Riley. Joy was having a hard time allowing Riley to grow up, and when Riley embarrassed herself on her first day of school it was Joy’s fault. Ultimately, when it came time to go on the big, heroic journey, it was Joy and Fear who were the ones to go.
Sadness was not a key part of the Inside Out story until it came time for the “brain trust.” Because Pixar prides itself on creating out-of-this-world pieces of work, the creative team actually can spend years creating and editing a movie in storyboard form before it ever gets animated. The different storyboard ideas get shown to Pixar’s “brain trust”, which is a group of creative leaders that help to shape the final story.
Inside Out‘s editor, Kevin Nolting, and director, Peter Docter, realized that the story was struggling as the team was preparing for the important “brain trust” meeting. While on a walk, Docter had a light-bulb moment that changed the trajectory of the movie. He realized that Sadness having a more pivotal role was the answer to making the story click for viewers, and the rest is history.
Why Sadness Was Ultimately The Key To the Movie
Although seeing Joy and Fear as the main duo of Inside Out would have been interesting, Sadness was ultimately the key to the movie. Sadness is the reason that one of the movie’s main messages, and arguably the most important one, was able to resonate with viewers. Sadness teaches audiences that the sad moments are as vital to a complete life as the happy ones. It taught Joy, and viewers, that expecting Riley to be happy 24/7 is unrealistic. Hardships are an inevitable part of life and make the happy moments meaningful.
Key Release Dates
Inside Out 2
Release Date:2024-06-14
