‘Inside Out 2’ Becomes the Most Successful Animated Movie Ever: Here’s How Characters Would Look In Real Life via AI

Pixar Animation Studios’ “Inside Out 2” has quickly taken the world by storm as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. The sequel to the original, “Inside Out,” which follows the life of the main character, Riley, as she deals with a host of new emotions at age 13, has even surpassed the very popular “Frozen II.”

According to The Walt Disney Company website, “Inside Out 2” has grossed $1.46 billion globally. Speaking on the unparalleled success the film has had, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman expressed, “‘Inside Out 2’ is a quintessentially Pixar film, and it’s been amazing to see how it has connected so deeply with people all over the world.”

Continuing his statement, he shared, “We knew it was really special, but no one could have predicted it would reach these record-breaking heights. We’re grateful to all the fans who have made this the biggest animated film ever.”

As a powerhouse force within the animation industry, The Walt Disney Company has a whole catalog of blockbuster animation films, of which “Inside Out 2” now sits at the top.

Additionally, seven out of the top ten highest-grossing animated movies in history have been produced by either Walt Disney or Pixar Animation Studios.

Adding an extra layer of victory to “Inside Out 2’s” stellar accomplishments is the fact that it recently crossed $600 million domestically, making it the 13th highest-grossing movie of all time worldwide.

The highest-grossing movie of 2024 to date has also seen incredible success at the box office, overtaking the $1 billion benchmark in a mere 19 days of its release (June 14, 2024). Currently, “Inside Out 2” is the only animated film to do so this year.

It’s been a hit among critic circles as well, achieving a very impressive 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A CinemaScore. Contributing to the film’s amazing achievement are, of course, the iconic actors who bring the characters to life with their vocal abilities.

The main cast boasts an array of A-list actors: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Tony Hale, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Water Hauser, Ayo Edebiri, June Squibb, Kensington Tallman, and Diane Lane.

While many are familiar with what the aforementioned actors’ characters look like in the film, one may wonder what the real-life versions of each emotion might look like. Thanks to the magical tool of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that question can be answered.

How the Real-Life Version of Amy Poehler’s Character, Joy, Would Look

First on the list is the lovable character Joy. Best known for her unwavering happy-go-lucky attitude, Joy is responsible for bringing happiness into Riley’s life.

In both “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” Joy is voiced by famous actress Amy Poehler. The star has built an illustrious career in Hollywood and is well known for playing comedic roles in shows like “Parks and Recreation” and the beloved noughties film “Mean Girls.”

In the AI-generated photo below, one can see how Poehler’s character, Joy, would look if she were a woman in real life. Her striking blue eyes and dress are carried over as well.

However, unlike the animated version, the real-life version’s blue hair is less colored, featuring a lighter shade and a different style than the animated Joy’s pixie cut.

How the Real-Life Version of Phyllis Smith’s Character, Sadness, Would Look

Following Joy is her polar opposite emotion, Sadness. The gloomy and sorrowful character is in charge of making Riley feel down in the dumps, and at times, depressed.

This character is voiced by none other than famous actress Phyllis Smith. Aside from appearing in both “Inside Out” and the sequel, the accomplished entertainer is best known for her role as Phyllis Vance in the classic comedy sitcom “The Office.”

Sadness’ AI-generated real-life version still has her blue eyes; however, they look slightly less gloomy than the animated version’s.

While she also has dark blue hair, the AI-generated version has bangs, whereas the animated character sported a diagonal parting. From the photo, one can see that the real-life version would still wear the character’s signature white polo-neck sweater.

How the Real-Life Version of Lewis Black’s Character, Anger, Would Look

Up next is the antithesis of Sadness—Anger. This firecracker character, who, as the name suggests, is quick to get heated, governs Riley’s bad temper.

Famous actor Lewis Black lends his voice to Anger, and like Poehler, is best known for his comedic chops. Some of Black’s noteworthy works include “Accepted,” and “Man of the Year,” where he starred alongside the late and great Robin Williams.

In keeping with Anger’s fiery persona, the real-life version would have bright red-orange hair. Like the animated version, the AI-generated picture shows a man with an angered expression on his face. Anger’s signature look, which features a formal shirt and tie, is carried over to the real-life version as well.

How the Real-Life Version of Mindy Kaling’s Character, Disgust, Would Look

Fourth on the list is Disgust—the character who is prone to being grossed out. Disgust is responsible for deciding what Riley finds repugnant and revolting.

The all-green emotion is voiced by famous actress Mindy Kaling, who plays the character in both movies. Kaling is a formidable entertainer in the show business industry and has acquitted herself successfully as an actress in popular projects like “The Office” and “A Wrinkle in Time.”

Disgust as an AI-generated version of what the character would potentially look like as a real woman shows that she would have green hair. While she is missing the animated version’s signature neck scarf, the real-life version still wears a green dress.

How the Real-Life Version of Tony Hale’s Character, Fear, Would Look

Fear, the purple scaredy-cat character, is fifth on the list. The always jumpy and terrified persona is the emotion in charge of giving Riley the spooks.

Originally, Fear was voiced by the talented Bill Hader in the first movie. However, in “Inside Out 2,” famous actor Tony Hale plays the character. Hale’s acting prowess has been highlighted in iconic projects such as “Arrested Development,” “Veep,” and “Toy Story 4.”

Playing to the fact that the real-life version would obviously not be purple, AI found other ways to signify that the potential real-life version embodies Fear.

Using distinctive facial features like bags underneath the eyes and frown lines, there is no mistaking that the real-life version of Fear would, just like the animated version, be riddled with terror.

How the Real-Life Version of Maya Hawk’s Character, Anxiety, Would Look

Next comes Anxiety, the character who, on occasion, goes hand-in-hand with Fear. Anxiety is one of the new emotions Riley is confronted with now that she is older, responsible for making her feel on edge and nervous.

Talented actress Maya Hawke, best known for her captivating roles in “Do Revenge,” “Asteroid City,” and “Stranger Things,” is the voice actress who plays Anxiety.

The AI-generated version of Anxiety might have the same anxious-filled look in her eyes as her animated version; however, she appears far less on edge. Her orange hair is also not all over the place like the animated character.

How the Real-Life Version of Adèle Exarchopoulos’ Character, Ennui, Would Look

Another new emotion 13-year-old Riley faces in “Inside Out 2” is Ennui. The humdrum, what’s-the-point persona is a combination of tiredness and boredom.

French actress Adèle Exarchopoulos is the talent who lends her voice to Ennui. Some of her notable works include “Blue Is the Warmest Colour,” “Wingwomen,” and “Down by Love.”

The AI-generated real-life version of Ennui maintains the animated version’s long purple hair and bangs, albeit curled instead of straightened. Her expressionless face perfectly strikes the right tone between tiredness and boredom.

How the Real-Life Version of Paul Walter Hauser’s Character, Embarrassment, Would Look

The third new emotion governing Riley’s emotional state is Embarrassment. Echoing his name, Embarrassment is a big, pink character who controls when Riley feels bashful or ashamed.

Famous actor Paul Walter Hauser plays Embarrassment in “Inside Out 2.” The talented entertainer has garnered success from prominent roles in projects such as “Queenpins,” “Richard Jewell,” “Black Bird,” and “Cruella.”

While the real-life version is not all-pink like the animated version, he has similarly colored flush cheeks. Adding to his embarrassed look, AI has featured beads of sweat dripping down his face, which is covered with the hood of a gray sweater.

How the Real-Life Version of Ayo Edebiri’s Character, Envy, Would Look

Envy may look cuddly and innocent with her big puppy dog eyes but don’t let the cute face fool you as she packs a punch. Hailing as another new emotion in Riley’s life, Envy is in charge of deciding when the teen should feel jealous about something.

Critically acclaimed actress Ayo Edebiri is the skillful star behind bringing Envy to life on screen. She is best known for her striking performances in award-nominated shows like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary.”

Envy’s turquoise-colored hair is emulated in the real-life version of the character, although it is slightly longer. She also carries through animated Envy’s freckles and rosy cheeks.

How the Real-Life Version of June Squibb’s Character, Nostalgia, Would Look

The last new emotion Riley has is Nostalgia. Playing to her name, Nostalgia appears as a sweet little old lady who has the power to evoke sentimental feelings within Riley.

Famous actress June Squibb plays Nostalgia. The iconic performer is best known for her standout roles in “About Schmidt,” “Palmer,” and “The Humans.”

Nostalgia’s real-life AI-generated version models after the animated version closely. She has the character’s hair and signature spectacles; however, these glasses do not have the same rose-colored lenses the animated version does.

Her clothes are also slightly more modern and stylish compared to the humble dress and cotton poncho the animated character wears.

The Real-Life Lookalikes of Kensington Tallman’s Character, Riley, and Diane Lane’s Character, Riley’s Mom

Last but certainly not least is “Inside Out 2’s” Riley and her mom. The host of all the different emotions is now a 13-year-old girl who is learning and uncovering new things about herself as she navigates old and new emotions.

Riley has the help, love, and support of her beloved mom. Like most typical mothers, Riley’s mom assists with guiding her now-teenage daughter through life.

The star who lends her vocal abilities to the character of Riley in “Inside Out 2” is talented actress Kensington Tallman. The young performer is best known for her roles in “Home Sweet Home!” and “Drama Club.”

Playing Riley’s mom is acting star Diane Lane. With many years’ worth of experience in the entertainment industry, Lane has acquitted herself as an icon in show business. Some noteworthy roles she is well known for include “Under the Tuscan Sun,” “A Man in Full,” and “Unfaithful.”

Unlike all the other characters that have been discussed, Riley and her mom have actual real-life lookalikes. A young girl on TikTok shared a video of her and her mom dressed as the famous “Inside Out” characters and the resemblance is uncanny.

The girl has Riley’s same blonde hair, which she usually styles into a ponytail and side-swept bangs. She also has braces like Riley does in “Inside Out 2.” Her mom, on the other hand, has Riley’s mom’s same dark brown hair and red-framed glasses.

People who saw the film and the TikTok video could not believe their eyes and had to do a double-take. They noted their surprise at how close the girl and her mom look to the movie characters.

“[Jaw] dropped… you are Riley and mom in real life,” wrote a surprised TikToker. Another echoed, “[I] literally thought it was [Riley] and her mom 😭💀.”