Inside Out 2 co-writer Dave Holstein has confirmed that a third installment in Pixar’s popular franchise is in the early stages of development.
During an interview with The Direct at the 2025 Saturn Awards—where Inside Out 2 was nominated for Best Animated Film—Holstein was asked about potential sequels. While he emphasized that Pixar is still focused on celebrating the success of Inside Out 2, initial talks about a follow-up have begun. He is confident that Inside Out 3 will happen eventually and believes the franchise could continue for several more films.
Yeah, minimal, I mean, I would say that we’re still enjoying the the wave of fun, this second film. But I have no doubt that at some point a third, and hopefully, in my opinion, four through six, seven, eight, Inside Out should happen.
Holstein said when asked about Inside Out 3 talks
The screenwriter also discussed possible storylines for future installments, highlighting the need to evolve the core concept as Riley grows up.
In every new movie, you want to change the game, and with each sequel, you want to shift its foundation, What makes Riley such a strong driving force for this franchise is that she’s constantly entering new phases of life, each bringing a fundamental change to the story.
he explained
Released last summer, Inside Out 2 became one of 2024’s biggest blockbusters. Alongside widespread critical acclaim, it earned $1.6 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing film of the year. Like the original, the sequel received several accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.
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While promoting Inside Out 2 during awards season, Holstein has repeatedly shared his enthusiasm for exploring more of Riley’s mind. He previously mentioned that Riley’s journey is far from over, with future installments likely introducing new emotions as she navigates college and adulthood.
It’s no surprise that Pixar is already laying the groundwork for Inside Out 3. Since the pandemic, the studio has faced mixed box office results. Lightyear struggled, earning just $226.4 million worldwide against a $200 million budget, while Elemental recovered from a slow start to reach $496.4 million—still modest compared to Pixar’s pre-2020 hits. Inside Out 2, however, was a massive success, bringing back the studio’s golden days and cementing the franchise as one of Pixar’s biggest assets. Ignoring its potential would be a poor business move, but the team also knows that a third film needs a strong story to be worth making. Fortunately, Holstein’s vision of exploring Riley’s older years has the potential to deliver another heartfelt and engaging film.
As exciting as Inside Out 3 sounds, fans will likely have to wait a few more years for its release. Pixar’s schedule is already packed, with Hopper and Toy Story 5 set for next year, and Incredibles 3 in development. Disney has a reserved 2027 slot for a Pixar film, but given that Inside Out 3 is still in the early discussion phase, it’s unlikely to claim that spot. Depending on Pixar’s plans, audiences might not see the sequel until the 2030s. While the wait may be frustrating, it’s better to have a well-crafted film than a rushed and underwhelming sequel.
Source: The Direct