When the first trailers for Inside Out 2 dropped, a lot of people were squinting at their screens and tilting their heads. Something felt a little off. Riley was older, sure. The console was bigger. But when the green, sharp-tongued emotion finally spoke, the internet had one collective question: who is Disgust in Inside Out 2?
If you thought she sounded different, you weren't imagining things. You're actually right.
Disgust is the literal gatekeeper of Riley’s social life. In the first movie, she was all about broccoli and making sure Riley didn't wear a gross outfit to school. Now? Riley is a teenager. The stakes are higher. The "ick" is real. But the biggest change wasn't just Riley’s hormones—it was the person behind the microphone.
The Big Voice Swap: Liza Lapira Takes Over
For years, Mindy Kaling was the voice of Disgust. She nailed that "I’m better than this" energy. But when the sequel was announced, rumors started swirling about contract disputes and salary negotiations. Honestly, it's the kind of Hollywood drama Disgust herself would probably have a field day with.
Mindy Kaling didn't return. Neither did Bill Hader as Fear.
So, who is Disgust in Inside Out 2 now? That would be Liza Lapira. You might recognize her from The Equalizer or Crazy, Stupid, Love. Stepping into a role previously owned by a comedy heavyweight like Kaling is no easy feat. It’s a bit like trying to replace the lead singer of a band mid-tour. Fans are going to notice the vibrato is different.
Lapira had a specific challenge. She had to maintain the essence of the character—the judgmental sighs, the upward inflection of pure judgment—while making it her own. She leans into a slightly more "cool older sister" vibe that fits a thirteen-year-old’s brain. It's less about being "mean" and more about the frantic need to fit in at hockey camp.
Why Disgust Matters More in the Sequel
In the first film, Disgust was largely about physical things. Bitter tastes. Smelly gym socks. Common sense stuff.
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In Inside Out 2, Disgust evolves. She has to. Riley is entering the high-pressure world of high school social hierarchies. Disgust isn't just protecting Riley from poison anymore; she’s protecting her from social death. If Riley wears the wrong jersey or says something "cringe," Disgust is the one who hits the alarm.
She's basically the fashion police and the social strategist rolled into one. When Anxiety shows up and starts taking over the console, Disgust is one of the few who tries to keep Riley’s original personality intact. It’s a weirdly heroic turn for a character who spends half her time rolling her eyes.
Think about it.
Without Disgust, we’d all be walking around in mismatched clothes eating expired deli meat. In the world of Inside Out 2, she represents the "Standard." She’s the one who says, "No, we aren't going to act like a total weirdo in front of the older girls."
Comparing the Two Performances
Is there a massive difference?
Kaling’s Disgust was very "The Office." It was snappy, dry, and felt like a character who was constantly bored by everyone else’s stupidity. Liza Lapira brings a slightly higher energy. It’s a bit more frantic. This actually makes sense within the narrative context of the movie. Riley’s brain is literally under construction. Everything is louder. Everything is more intense.
- Mindy Kaling (Inside Out): More cynical, lower pitch, classic "mean girl" wit.
- Liza Lapira (Inside Out 2): More expressive, higher stakes, fits the chaotic energy of puberty.
Most casual viewers might not even notice the swap unless they’re looking for it. The character design remains identical—that perfectly flipped hair, the purple scarf, and the "don't touch me" posture. Pixar’s team worked hard to ensure the transition felt seamless, focusing on the character’s movements and facial expressions to bridge the gap between the two voice actors.
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The "New" Emotions and Disgust's Rivalry
The dynamic in the second movie changes because Disgust isn't the only one worried about Riley's image anymore. Enter Ennui.
Ennui is the French-inspired "boredom" emotion. There is a hilarious tension between Disgust and Ennui. While Disgust is active—she wants to fix the problem and make Riley look good—Ennui just wants to lie on the couch and look at a phone. It's a fascinating look at how teenagers juggle the desire to be "cool" (Disgust) with the desire to appear "above it all" (Ennui).
Disgust often finds herself sidelined when Anxiety takes the wheel. It’s a poignant moment. When Anxiety starts planning for every possible disaster, Disgust's "standard" gets pushed to the extreme. It’s no longer about what Riley likes; it’s about what Riley needs to be to survive.
Behind the Scenes: Why the Change Happened
It really came down to the business side of things. Reports from outlets like Puck News suggested that the salary offers for the supporting cast (Disgust, Fear, etc.) were significantly lower than what Amy Poehler (Joy) was offered.
Hader and Kaling reportedly turned down the offers.
It’s a reminder that even in the magical world of Pixar, the bottom line still matters. Disney had to move forward. They held auditions. They found Lapira and Tony Hale (who replaced Hader as Fear).
Lapira has spoken in interviews about how much she loved the first film. She wasn't trying to do an impression of Mindy Kaling. She was trying to play the character of Disgust. There’s a subtle difference there. One is mimicry; the other is acting.
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How to Spot Disgust's Best Moments in Inside Out 2
If you’re watching the movie again, keep an eye on the "Sarcasm Chasm" scene. It’s one of the best showcases for the "new" Disgust. The way she handles Riley’s burgeoning sass is peak character development.
Also, watch her interactions with Anger. The chemistry between Liza Lapira and Lewis Black (who did return as Anger) is surprisingly sharp. They feel like a duo that has been stuck in the same office for a decade, which, in Riley’s timeline, they basically have.
Disgust is the one who realizes that Anxiety’s "projections" are hurting Riley’s self-esteem. She might be picky, and she might be judgmental, but she’s loyal. She wants Riley to be the best version of herself—even if her definition of "best" involves a lot of hairspray and a very specific social circle.
Moving Forward With the Character
The takeaway here is that Disgust is more than just a voice. She's a psychological function. Whether she's voiced by a sitcom legend or a versatile character actress, her role in Riley's head is vital.
If you're looking to dive deeper into how Inside Out 2 changed the landscape of Pixar sequels, start by paying attention to the credits. Look at the sheer number of people it took to make Disgust's hair move just right. Then, go back and watch the first one. You'll hear the difference in the voice, but you'll see the same heart.
To truly understand the evolution of Riley’s mind, pay attention to these specific shifts:
- Identify the Voice: Listen for Liza Lapira’s specific cadence in the "hockey camp" scenes versus Mindy Kaling’s performance in the "broccoli pizza" scene from the original.
- Watch the Console: Notice how Disgust’s role changes from physical protection to social curation.
- The Ennui Connection: Compare how Disgust and Ennui react to the same social cues. It tells you a lot about how Riley is maturing.
- The Salary Context: Keep in mind the industry shifts that led to these casting changes, as it reflects a broader trend in how voice talent is valued in major sequels.
Disgust might be the first one to say "ew," but she’s also the first one to stand up for Riley’s dignity. That hasn't changed, no matter who is behind the mic.