“Inside Out 2” has been dubbed the most successful animated movie to ever have been made thus far. Many have fallen in love with the relatable characters that govern the emotions of a girl who has entered teenagehood. Find out what the real-life versions of the animated characters would look like below.
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.
![Some of the cast of "Inside Out 2" at the world premiere in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5ba099d1dfd28120365ddffcf615e474750c91aa15c8c686c0ff5b4691cf57e8.jpg)
Some of the cast of “Inside Out 2” at the world premiere in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![Joy from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/a30c5f0c2b19d37f5c486dfc76ebaf13eed298f460e03b07155aaadc80d2a1d5.png)
Joy from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Amy Poehler standing next to her character Joy at the world premiere of "Inside Out 2" in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/772585f714a8e26725f613d736d17e215f770af3e4851c17228a669bb7aff0a5.jpg)
Amy Poehler standing next to her character Joy at the world premiere of “Inside Out 2” in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Joy might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/713bbeb8a564588c6a6c9113123faa0cd6a952d48b82b76d2df72b392d2f0f2c.png)
How Joy might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Sadness from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/5eedc3aadc7dc95b73062f471b460509ec9dfd244a5384ede9c9f40c2d781555.png)
Sadness from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Phyllis Smith at the premiere of "The OA Part II" in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/3b79e2d25bde7772144e1978be3389e3f3eeba1fc2509f7c1387c96e973de11b.jpg)
Phyllis Smith at the premiere of “The OA Part II” in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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 Sadness might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/22923b1e04364d30d101c29eaa3c011057ad03796529a3ec0c90e74a87553083.png)
How Sadness might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Anger from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/073bad2d30c19a3d21fb516789d34e620fd1e99e10fde3f859e7b8c1c3a2826d.png)
Anger from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.
![Lewis Black at the opening night of "Just For Us" on Broadway in New York City on June 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/ad60689e506a2ad7404aba84816323593d321bacc02964c80cf247992a89e6a7.jpg)
Lewis Black at the opening night of “Just For Us” on Broadway in New York City on June 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
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 Anger might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/2f41459cbb5054d0775eb3a2fdf6cf5343e24dfb60fc2955b5239f9cf4a53bb2.png)
How Anger might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Disgust from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/704eab45539d3152ff2a737da2c2232e2600fcdb1218e9fe3edd2a5376d654da.png)
Disgust from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Mindy Kaling at SiriusXM Studios in New York City on May 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/0a19ec676d271e4bc6c66f74ee4cfeb574a7aa55c9eac23cf9e62219860b47bd.jpg)
Mindy Kaling at SiriusXM Studios in New York City on May 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Disgust might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/ce3f43fe629e24b743ac08f70a22051a661cd9cc63db60b73702d643849ac626.png)
How Disgust might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Fear from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/ef7b327c9231dd4795acfac02a6814627ec078cd89808c33c2a9f6f42c757d88.png)
Fear from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Tony Hale The Decameron S1 Clips & Conversations Premiere event in New York City on July 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a7547b5d2aeeb6aedb5e4664b918433836e1b1cc8061d6845d856c0996728c37.jpg)
Tony Hale The Decameron S1 Clips & Conversations Premiere event in New York City on July 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Fear might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/cd875607f74ba5219eebfcb7fc60e06c043d21f7d194565ad83dc4d25a49a1c7.png)
How Fear might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Anxiety from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/e35d3aba6915e8012532243eb5b6dac3dfe6a025a5f44163a596af0285bf13eb.png)
Anxiety from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.
![Maya Hawke at the world premiere of "Inside Out 2" in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/b7530607cb6b6861804e6257a1f5d103bc354b829f27fd82ec7afd1fc9ff32c6.jpg)
Maya Hawke at the world premiere of “Inside Out 2” in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Anxiety might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/6ca31473feabee6682f497fd3766fe3fb0b79e2e9cecbd01cf58fe377b685d39.png)
How Anxiety might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Ennui from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/c296b35c558e5019ccff9ed90eaa6e5f436e8c7972dc0a9cc40b6dc9aef77e6f.png)
Ennui from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Adèle Exarchopoulos at the photo call for "L'Amour Ouf" ("Beating Hearts") during the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/aca864497c17fdd9f3f38b03d9dfe1cc505744b7745806a9efe43a543b8ac511.jpg)
Adèle Exarchopoulos at the photo call for “L’Amour Ouf” (“Beating Hearts”) during the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Ennui might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/de5eabe9924890b205e56ba10a806e8c3817dd0f501f2d1a3129ceac180f8889.png)
How Ennui might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Embarrassment from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/f0929e98c659c3fc57f3e7d84639712a696efc2bb30f035d37285fbfa9edbddc.png)
Embarrassment from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Paul Walter Hauser at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/349a0666d928a36c3502501acc0ddcc81b427d7058adaae4c233e65ea9236fb2.jpg)
Paul Walter Hauser at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Embarrassment might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/4bd7bd9fd31a4b965365c6eec6d90b5ae156cd371ec13b655f443b01fc1bd7f4.png)
How Embarrassment might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.
![Embarrassed from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/8ea0b4f6b7e0533958eb163cb2ab0945d5648668adcb7ec209f8b508f770289e.png)
Embarrassed from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Ayo Edebiri at the premiere of "Inside Out 2" in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/96b06036c06a7386160cf789393beb111ff64df81802910ae9e00028b6870041.jpg)
Ayo Edebiri at the premiere of “Inside Out 2” in Hollywood, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 Envy might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/48459e9cbce1e50c84507e331349b11d0580f5d6b8973acd09a86183b690e39a.png)
How Envy might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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.”
![June Squibb at the premiere of "Thelma" in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/75b6d6a082a164e53632fe6a39716e1fe2f8916c55b3da939d972b063e775707.jpg)
June Squibb at the premiere of “Thelma” in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![How Nostalgia might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney](https://cdn.amomama.com/b26aca818c58096dd4a09d43e806993c55f26aa8630e1451d3d6c834f8f3f171.png)
How Nostalgia might look as a real-life person via AI | Source: Midjourney
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 from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/3f3f5b8a0e6ac91f085f74136838c8b8064c4de6efb5307d9c76bc8a6f15f4c5.png)
Riley from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.
![Riley and Riley's mom from the trailer of "Inside Out 2," posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar](https://cdn.amomama.com/80a557377901944b0b35a86d5157d01cf9236c70324f793f7702df9e577d57d4.png)
Riley and Riley’s mom from the trailer of “Inside Out 2,” posted on March 7, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Pixar
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.”
![Kensington Tallman at SiriusXM's town hall with the cast of "Inside Out 2" in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/6c780b6456d02416c912b8bac99cdb522887dd3c836a5c2534a358c44850443f.jpg)
Kensington Tallman at SiriusXM’s town hall with the cast of “Inside Out 2” in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.”
![Diane Lane at the Variety TV FYC Fest in West Hollywood, California on June 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/26eddf6d3aa4b1fcef3b38b71039f06beaf424c21a05348be19c015f7dbeb533.jpg)
Diane Lane at the Variety TV FYC Fest in West Hollywood, California on June 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 young girl and her mom who look like real-life versions of Riley and her mom from "Inside Out," posted on June 27, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ibukiii.cos](https://cdn.amomama.com/b2f1a71f399868d9834268bced127d94997a250f3e17ad61c562e339423f43a0.png)
The young girl and her mom who look like real-life versions of Riley and her mom from “Inside Out,” posted on June 27, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ibukiii.cos
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 😭💀.”