Despite their memorable roles in the original film, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader did not return forInside Out 2as Disgust and Fear. These characters were two ofInside 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 (viaBox Office Mojo). Unsurprisingly, this led to a 2024 sequel, which was an even bigger success.Inside Out 2is 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 theInside Outcastis stacked with A-list stars, including Kaling and Hader. Kaling broke out playing Kelly Kapoor in the ensemble cast ofThe Office, and has gone on to create several hit TV shows, includingThe Mindy Project, which she also starred in. Hader is also renowned for creating his own show, as theSNLalum wore many hats inBarry, including playing the titular character. But Kaling and Hader didn’t reunite with theirInside Outcast for the sequel, and many wonder why.

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Mindy Kaling & Bill Hader Didn’t Return ForInside Out 2Due 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 forInside Out 2was 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 millionplusbonuses that Amy Poehler, who voiced Joy, received(viaPuck). 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 likeOcean’s 8andA Wrinkle in Time. She’s also written two New York Times bestselling memoirs. Meanwhile, Hader not only co-created and starred inBarry, 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 theInside Out 2offer.

Despite Kaling and Hader’s departure from theInside Outfranchise, it appears that they still have fond memories of working on the original film, Kaling especially. She toldPeople,
I had a great time working onInside Outand am sureInside Out 2will be great. But I’m not working on it.
Tony Hale & Lisa Lapira Do A Great Job As Fear & Disgust InInside Out 2
Audience Reactions to the New Voice Performances
With Kaling and Hader not returning,Inside Out 2introducedTony 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 inArrested Developmentand Gary Walsh onVeep. 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 ofThe 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.Haleshared 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 theInside Outfranchise, tellingPeople.“I love working for Pixar and Disney. It’s very exciting to be part of this team, more exciting than I even thought.” And whileMindy KalingandBill Hadermay be missed, Hale and Lapira are doing an excellent job filling those big shoes inInside Out 2. Here’s hoping that ifInside 3happens, they stick around.
Inside Out 2
Cast
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.