Despite their memorable roles in the original film, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader did not return for Inside Out 2 as Disgust and Fear. These characters were two of Inside Out's core emotions, who all live in the head of a young girl named Riley. Released in 2015, the film was both a critical and commercial hit, grossing over $859 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). Unsurprisingly, this led to a 2024 sequel, which was an even bigger success. Inside Out 2 is Pixar's highest-grossing movie thus far, currently having earned almost $1.65 billion.
A huge reason for the franchise's success is its skillful actors, and the Inside Out cast is stacked with A-list stars, including Kaling and Hader. Kaling broke out playing Kelly Kapoor in the ensemble cast of The Office, and has gone on to create several hit TV shows, including The Mindy Project, which she also starred in. Hader is also renowned for creating his own show, as the SNL alum wore many hats in Barry, including playing the titular character. But Kaling and Hader didn't reunite with their Inside Out cast for the sequel, and many wonder why.
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Mindy Kaling & Bill Hader Didn't Return For Inside Out 2 Due To Salary Disputes
They Were Offered $100,000 Compared To Amy Poehler's $5 Million
The reason Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader chose not to reprise their roles for Inside Out 2 was due to significant salary disagreements. The actors were initially offered $100,000 each for their roles in the sequel, with no additional bonuses. This offer was notably lower compared to the $5 million plus bonuses that Amy Poehler, who voiced Joy, received (via Puck). Given the disparity, Kaling and Hader felt that the compensation did not reflect their star power and the success of the first film. Disney reportedly upped the offer, but apparently not enough to woo the actors.
Kaling and Hader's reasons for holding out are understandable. Kaling has created several shows, and she's a multidisciplinary talent, not just for her TV work but her roles in huge Hollywood movies like Ocean's 8 and A Wrinkle in Time. She's also written two New York Times bestselling memoirs. Meanwhile, Hader not only co-created and starred in Barry, but he was also a core writer and director on the show, which likely increased his salary. He also won two Emmys for the show, so both stars are worth more than the Inside Out 2 offer.
Despite Kaling and Hader's departure from the Inside Out franchise, it appears that they still have fond memories of working on the original film, Kaling especially. She told People,
I had a great time working on Inside Out and am sure Inside Out 2 will be great. But I’m not working on it.
Tony Hale & Lisa Lapira Do A Great Job As Fear & Disgust In Inside Out 2
Audience Reactions to the New Voice Performances
With Kaling and Hader not returning, Inside Out 2 introduced Tony Hale and Liza Lapira as the new voices of Fear and Disgust, respectively. Hale is a mainstay of comedy TV, famous for his roles as Buster Bluth in Arrested Development and Gary Walsh on Veep. Lapira isn't as big a name (yet) but she's been working steadily in film and television for over 25 years, and currently plays Mel Bayani in the main cast of The Equalizer. Hale’s portrayal of Fear maintains the character’s neurotic charm, while Lapira’s Disgust exudes a new layer of sass and humor.
Both Hale and Lapira have expressed their enthusiasm for their roles in interviews and social media. Hale shared his excitement on Instagram, stating,
"Inside Out is not only one of my favorite animated movies of all time, it is one of my favorite movies of all time. The genius way it communicates the complicated and powerful world of our emotional life is on another level. I feel so honored to be a part of this one."
Lapira echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the honor of joining the Inside Out franchise, telling People. "I love working for Pixar and Disney. It's very exciting to be part of this team, more exciting than I even thought.” And while Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader may be missed, Hale and Lapira are doing an excellent job filling those big shoes in Inside Out 2. Here's hoping that if Inside 3 happens, they stick around.
Inside Out 2
PG
Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 original film, which starred a young girl named Riley with a head full of emotions. - literally. With Amy Pohler as Joy, Bill Hader as fear, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger, the all-star cast brought to life the emotions that adolescents face as they grow, change, and adapt to new situations. This sequel, currently in development, will bring Amy Pohler back as Joy, with Riley, now a teenager.
- Director
- Kelsey Mann
- Release Date
- June 14, 2024
- Cast
- Amy Poehler , Tony Hale , Maya Hawke , Liza Lapira , Lewis Black , Phyllis Smith , Diane Lane
- Runtime
- 96 Minutes
