Fil-Am actress Liza Lapira joins ‘Inside Out 2’ as voice of ‘Disgust’

Screencap from Inside Out 2 Trailer

“Hello, I’m ‘Anxiety,’ where can I put my stuff?”

This query from the new character introduced in the trailer for the highly anticipated sequel to the animated hit “Inside Out” strikes a chord with many viewers. Voiced by “Stranger Things” actress Maya Hawke, “Anxiety” joins the ensemble of emotions, adding depth to the narrative.

But in a casting change for the sequel, Filipino American actress Liza Lapira assumes the role of “Disgust,” originally voiced by Mindy Kaling in the first film.

Lapira’s portrayal of “Disgust” in the Academy Award-winning animated film from 2015 accompanies Riley, voiced by Kensington Tallman, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence, alongside familiar characters like “Joy,” voiced by Amy Poehler, “Sadness” brought to life by Phyllis Smith, “Anger” portrayed by Lewis Black and “Fear” with Tony Hale voicing the character.

As Riley matures, evidenced by moments like getting braces, meeting new people and celebrating her 13th birthday, “Joy” reflects on the inevitability of change as new emotions come into her head.

“I know change is scary, but we need new friends or we’ll be totally alone in high school,” remarks “Anxiety,” highlighting the challenges of transitioning to a new phase of life.

But as the story unfolds, it can be seen in the trailer that “Anxiety” takes over Riley with new emotions “Ennui,” “Envy,” and “Embarrassment,” while “Joy” and her team become suppressed emotions.

“Riley requires more sophisticated emotions than all of you,” “Anxiety” continues as it prohibits the older emotions from interfering.

Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, the sequel promises to delve deeper into the emotional landscape of its characters as she grows older, with a screenplay crafted by Meg LeFauve and Dave Hostein.

Lapira is joined by newcomers Maya Hawke as “Anxiety,” Ayo Edebiri as “Envy,” Adele Exarchopoulos as “Ennui” and Paul Walter Hauser as “Embarrassment.”

The Fil-Am actress was recognized in the past for her standout performances alongside Emma Stone in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and in Dante Basco’s directorial debut “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers.”

The animated feature film will be released exclusively in theaters on June 14.