“Inside Out 2” is a hit! Released June 14, the Pixar sequel quelled any summer blockbuster anxiety by raking in $155 million in ticket sales this weekend nationally and $295 million globally.
Almost a decade after its original release in 2015, the animated sequel revisits the mind of Riley, now age 13, with personified emotions like Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and Disgust (Liza Lapira replaces Mindy Kaling). Growing up comes with new emotions and experiences represented by the addition of Maya Hawke as Anxiety, Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Paul Walter Hauser as Embarassment and June Squibb as Nostalgia.
The success of “Inside Out 2” marks a long overdue return to form for Pixar, which has struggled to find its theatrical footing since the pandemic. The 2023 film “Elemental” and the 2022 Toy Story spinoff “Lightyear” struggled to connect with U.S. audiences, nationally grossing $154 million and $118 million, respectively.
The sequel also smashed box office records, reigniting the summer blockbuster flame that got off to a slow start with “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” “Inside Out 2” had the biggest opening of the year, beating out “Dune 2” ($82.5 million) and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” ($80 million). It is the first film since last year’s smash hit “Barbie” to gross over $100 million.
With a second weekend in theaters upcoming, “Inside Out 2” is off to a strong start, kickstarting a new era for Pixar and theaters worldwide. So, if you haven’t caught the film, it’s time to head out to the movies to feel and see all the emotions on the big screen.
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