With the success of the Inside Out movies, it was only a matter of time before Disney gave the world a TV show set in the world, err mind of Riley Anderson, and we’ll soon get that with Dream Productions. The upcoming Pixar project, which is coming on the heels of Inside Out 2’s massive box office run, sounds like it could easily be one of the best Disney+ original shows based on everything we’ve heard about it so far.
So, what do we know about Dream Productions, the show that will soon expand upon two of the best Pixar movies and introduce us to a whole new slate of characters (plus some beloved franchise staples)? Well, a lot, actually. Come with us as we dive into this exciting project and break down everything we know about the upcoming Disney series so far, including its release date, cast, and so much more.
What Is The Dream Productions Premiere Date?
Though it initially seemed like the Dream Productions premiere date wouldn’t fall until the 2025 TV schedule, Pixar officially announced in September 2024 (the day before Inside Out 2 made its Disney+ debut) that the serious would be available to anyone with a Disney+ subscription on December 11, 2024
The limited series, which is set between the events of the first and second movies, will consist of four episodes, but it has not yet been made clear if all will drop at once or weekly. Expect to hear more soon.
What Is Dream Productions About?
When Dream Productions makes its way to Disney+ in 2025, it will be set in the Inside Out universe but will focus on different characters than those emotions we have all come to know and love the past decade. Disney has announced that the series, which will be a mockumentary-style show like The Office and its upcoming companion series, will spend its time set in the Dream Productions studio that we visited in the first movie all those years ago.
When acclaimed director Paula Persimmon discovers that her bag of tricks is no longer working for the growing Riley Anderson, she must turn to Xeni, an overly confident daydream director looking for a big break. Together, the unlikely pair will try and make a new hit, one that will resonate with their target audience: Riley.
The Dream Productions Cast
When the Inside Out franchise expands this December, it will see its fair share of returning faces (and voices) as well as some new additions. Let’s meet the Dream Productions cast, as announced by Disney.
Paula Pell as Paula Persimmon
Paula Pell is no stranger to the Inside Out movies, as she played Mom’s Anger in both movies. But she also played the Dream Director in the 2015 franchise starter, a role that will be expanded, and given the name Paula Persimmon, in Dream Productions.
Richard Ayoade as Xeni
Richard Ayoade, of The I.T. Crowd and The Mighty Boosh fame, will be appearing in Dream Productions as Xeni, an overly confident daydream director who helps Paula save her career.
Amy Poehler as Joy
Disney has also announced that Amy Poehler will be back as Joy. Judging by what we’ve seen of the show so far, it looks like Joy and the rest of the emotions in headquarters will be featured frequently.
Kensington Tallman as Riley Anderson
Kensington Tallman, who provided the voice of 13-year-old Riley Anderson in Inside Out 2, will be returning to the property when she reprises her role in Dream Productions.
Liza Lapira as Disgust
Liza Lapira took over the role of Disgust in Inside Out 2 after Mindy Kaling left the project, and she’ll be voicing the emotion once again when Dream Productions starts up.
Tony Hale as Fear
Tony Hale is no stranger to Pixar productions, as he’s voiced Forky since the character was introduced in Toy Story 4. The Veep alum will be reprising his role as Fear from Inside Out 2 in the new show.
Lewis Black as Anger
Lewis Black has voiced Anger, Riley’s hot-headed emotion, since the franchise started nearly a decade ago. Black will be back once more when Dream Productions gets underway next year.
Phyllis Smith as Sadness
Phyllis Smith’s Sadness has become one of the most beloved Pixar characters in recent years, and we’ll be seeing more (not sure how much though) of her when the new show starts up.
Maya Rudolph
Her character has not yet been revealed, but Disney has announced that Maya Rudolph will be appearing in Dream Productions. Expect to hear more about her mysterious role in the near future.
Ally Maki
Ally Maki, who previously voiced Giggle McDimples in Toy Story 4, will be joining the Inside Out family in an undisclosed role.
The Dream Productions Trailer
In September 2024, Pixar and Disney+ gave the world its first proper look at Dream Productions with a short yet jam-packed announcement video for both the Inside Out TV series and a new original show titled Win or Lose. See for yourself:
Based on the clips from the Dream Productions trailer, the show is going to have the same charm, wit, and sensibilities as the two Inside Out movies. And with so many new characters, locations, and situations taking place in the compilation of footage, it looks like we’re going to have a grand adventure on our hands.
Dream Productions Was Written And Directed By Soul Writer Mike Jones
Inside Out and Inside Out 2 were directed by Pete Docter and Kelsey Mann, respectively, and the trend of having different directors helm the different projects set in the franchise’s universe will continue with the new series. Disney has announced that Mike Jones, who wrote Soul and Luca, wrote and directed Dream Productions, bringing with him years of experience. Outside of his Pixar work, Jones has also played a role in crafting the English dub of iconic Studio Ghibli movies like The Wind Rises and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
The Inside Out Series Has Already Finished Production
What’s crazy about the Inside Out series is the fact that it has not only started production, but has already wrapped. During his conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Pete Docter responded with “We have finished” when asked about the upcoming series and if it was something he could talk about. How much post-production will be required before the series is release-ready is not known, but with a planned Spring 2025 premiere, it must be pretty far along.
This Isn’t The First Time Pixar Has Expanded The Inside Out Franchise Beyond The Movies
Though the still-untitled show is the first series to come from the Inside Out universe, it’s not the first time Pixar has expanded the franchise beyond the movies. Back in November 2015, a 10-minute short film titled Riley’s First Date was released alongside the film’s home release and picked up at some point after the first movie ended. The short, which we described as funny and charming nearly a decade ago, follows Riley as she hangs out with the skater boy she met at the end of the movie, much to the chagrin of her parents.
You can watch Riley’s First Date, as well as other great animated short films, on Disney+, which will eventually be the home of Inside Out 2 at some point soon.
Stream Riley’s First Date on Disney+.
Expect to hear more about Dream Productions as we get closer to its December premiere. In the meantime, check out our breakdown of the rest of the 2024 TV schedule or get caught up on all the upcoming Disney movies that will soon come to Disney+ and a theater near you.
