Inside Out 2: The Actor Taking Over the Role of Disgust Shares Their Approach

Liza Lapira recently shared her unique take on voicing the character Disgust for the highly anticipated Inside Out 2. In this sequel to the cherished 2015 film, Pixar revisits the personified emotions inside Riley’s mind as she transitions into the challenges of high school. As Inside Out 2 is nominated for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards, it introduces new characters like Anxiety, played by Maya Hawke, and Envy, voiced by Ayo Edebiri, alongside returning emotions such as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. Notably, Lapira steps into the role of Disgust, taking over from Mindy Kaling, who voiced the character in the original film.

In an enlightening interview with Screen Rant, Lapira outlined her artistic approach to embodying Disgust, diverging from Kaling’s iconic performance. Instead of aiming to imitate Kaling’s voice, Lapira concentrated on capturing the character’s essence—depicting Disgust as a judgmental yet protective force that continually assesses her surroundings. Here’s what she elaborated on:

I loved the [first] movie even if I wasn’t in it. I came at it thinking about the character. I figured they chose me, they chose Tony Hale, they knew what we sounded like, so I didn’t have to do anything or mimic vocals. Kelsey Mann, the director, made it clear that it wasn’t about matching a timber and
more about getting to the essence of the character.

So I just thought about what Disgust thinks and feels, and I likened her to the type that always asks to speak to the manager and the type that is always judging.
Everything is a barometer.
“That’s not good enough. That’s good enough. That pasta is too soggy. Those potatoes are great.”Everything’s like, “This is good. This is not good. This is good. This is not good.”And it’s a very judgy and also a tween kind of attitude, like, “Ick, no.”And it’s all under the umbrella of protecting, right?

Because it’s not just judging for judgment’s sake.
It’s judging to protect.
So I just took all my tween energy, all my “asking for the manager”energy, and that changed my voice. And then I had a mannerism where I checked my hair for split ends. I’ve talked about this a lot, but Kelsey caught me looking down, kind of picking at my split ends, and it changed the way that I spoke. I wasn’t really engaging with the other person. I was just kind of like, “Yeah, whatever.”

And he said, “Lisa, what are you doing?”[Laughs] And I told him, and he fell on the floor laughing, and he said, “Okay, that’s brilliant. Do that.”So every line, he would say,
“Okay, now do a split ends take.”
If you just look down at your hair, and you just honestly look for it, it takes your energy. It is kind of rude to the person that you’re talking to because you’re so focused on something else. [Laughs]

Exploring Liza Lapira’s Approach to Disgust in Inside Out 2

Reimagining Disgust as Riley’s Protector

In Inside Out 2, Disgust plays a vital role in shaping Riley’s responses and protecting her emotional boundaries. As Riley navigates the intricacies of new friendships and high school dynamics, Disgust’s presence becomes increasingly significant. Lapira reinterprets Disgust as a self-aware, critical character who protects Riley from potential pitfalls. Unlike Kaling’s playful rendition, Lapira evokes a more nuanced, judgmental tone, illustrating how Disgust “judges to protect”as Riley interacts with a new hockey team filled with peers.

With a background in both comedy and drama from shows like The Equalizer and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, Lapira skillfully balances the dual nature of Disgust. By avoiding a flat caricature, she brings depth to the character, ensuring that Disgust remains entertaining yet empathetic. This portrayal aligns seamlessly with Riley’s mental landscape, as Inside Out 2 expertly addresses her struggle between newfound independence and the comfort of childhood.

Our Perspective on Lapira’s Interpretation of Disgust

Energizing Disgust in Inside Out 2

Joy, Disgust, Anger, and Sadness overlooking a cliff in Inside Out 2

Lapira’s performance as Disgust introduces a revitalized yet faithful interpretation of the character. Her embodiment of a more self-absorbed, tweener attitude effectively highlights Disgust’s protective qualities, making her relatable as Riley confronts the highs and lows of high school life. The creative decision to integrate the “split end take”into her portrayal adds a subtle touch, showcasing Disgust’s dismissive nature. Overall, Lapira’s contribution to Inside Out 2 reinforces the emotional development of both Riley and Disgust, striking a commendable balance between humor and empathy throughout their evolving narratives.

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