While Guilt, Shame, Jealousy, Awe, and Nostalgia are intriguing possibilities for additional emotions in Inside Out 2, the concept art reveals a treasure trove of unexplored feelings. Take a look at the bottom right corner of the middle two images. There, a character with sunshine-yellow skin, spiky hair, and glasses casts a dubious side-eye. This enigmatic figure could have embodied Suspicion, perfectly complementing the alternate versions surrounding it. However, the expression could also suggest Stubbornness, a hallmark teenage state. Imagine that indignant glance aimed at a well-meaning parent!
Another intriguing concept that never made the final cut is Schadenfreude. This German term describes the peculiar pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune. According to the Inside Out 2 team, director Pete Docter initially envisioned including Schadenfreude in the first film, but it ultimately got the boot. The filmmakers prioritized more universally understood emotions, eventually settling on Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment after consulting with an expert. Hopefully, this new cast will effectively capture the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, just as the original film did for Riley’s childhood.