The 2015 Pixar filmInside Outhas some incredible performances from talented actors. Richard Kind voices Bing Bong, Diane Lane and Kyle McLaughlan are Riley’s parents, and Paula Pell is the Dream Director. Fans can never forget the amazing voices of the emotions in Riley’s (Kaitlyn Diaz) head, from Amy Poehler as Anger to Phyllis Smith as Sadness. Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader are also memorable as Disgust and Fear.
With the news that Hader won’t be coming back to play Fear, there are some other talented, hilarious actors who have played memorable characters who could step into this role.
RELATED:Inside Out 2: 5 Actors Who Could Take Over The Role Of Disgust
Paul F. Tompkins
With the news thattwo cast members won’t return toInside Out 2, there is an opportunity for some new actors to join. If Fear is recast, the actor, comedian and podcaster Paul F. Tompkins could take on this role. Tompkins most recently played the role of Professor Tobias James Kaufman onRutherford Falls, arecent sitcom with good character developmentand a quirky sensibility.
Paul F. Tompkins has several podcasts, includingThreedomwith Lauren Lapkus and Scott Auckerman andStay F. Homekinswith his wife Janie Haddad Tompkins. Whether sharing his talents for improv through shows at Dynasty Typewriter or taking on acting roles, he is always charming and fun.
Sam Richardson
The Afterpartyis an impressive TV comedyand Sam Richardson is one of the best parts. As Aniq, a sweet man who has been in love with Zoë (Zoë Chao) since their high school days, Richardson gives a moving performance that is also hilarious as he tries to figure out who killed pop star Xavier (Dave Franco).
Richardson has a great resume, having played Edwin Akufo onTed Lasso, Finn Wheeler in thehorror comedyWerewolves Within, Doctor Champ onBojack Horseman, and Richard Splett onVeep. Fear is one of the funniest characters inInside Outas he says things like “Boy Band Island. I hope that’s just a phase.”
Jonah Hill
Superbadholds upand many movie fans still love rewatching the 2007 teen comedy starring Jonah Hill as Seth, an insecure high schooler trying to throw an awesome party. Hill’s credits includeFunny People(2009),Cyrus(2009),21 Jump Street(2011),This Is The End(2012), and most recently,Don’t Look Up(2021). These movies have become favorites thanks to how charming Hill is and how relatable some of his characters can be. That last element is importnant, as everyone watching bothInside Outand the upcoming sequel can understand being afraid of trying something new, following dreams, or just dealing with the tough parts of life.
Don’t Look Upis a great satireand Hill’s character, Jason Orlean, is one of the best parts. As President Orlean’s (Meryl Streep) son, he makes humorous comments and has no self-awareness at all. Hill could definitely do a great job as Fear as he has smart comedic timing.
Caleb McLaughlin
It’s true that thetalentedStranger Thingscastis super busy, but there’s only one season left, and Caleb McLaughlin’s performance as Lucas Sinclair is moving and funny all at once. Lucas could relate a lot to Fear’s journey, as Lucas falls in love with Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and does his best to maintain his friendships while being part of the basketball team in season 4.
There are manygreatStranger Thingsseason 4 charactersand that includes Lucas, thanks to McLaughlin’s strong performance. Lucas and Fear would definitely have a lot to talk about as Fear is terrified of the new experiences that Riley is having and wants to protect her. Of course, Lucas and his friends have spent a lot of their young lives being scared as they have fought the creatures in Hawkins, Indiana and figured out more information about the Upside Down.
Jason Mantzoukas
Jason Mantzoukas is beloved for his comedic roles, including Derek in The Good Place and Adrian Pimento inBrooklyn-99.The actor also played Grandfather in thenostalgic science-fiction teen seriesPaper Girls, which premiered on Prime Video in the summer of 2022. He would be another good choice for Fear inInside Out 2.
Mantzoukas is such a strong actor because he can play literally any role and make it believable. He really inhabits his characters and they are some of the quirkiest, strangest, and most compelling from the comedy genre, whether movies or TV. No one ever knew what Derek or Pimento would do or say next, which was part of the fun of watching these sitcoms. Fear is a unique part ofInside Outbecause this emotion is nervous and vulnerable while trying to look strong and tough and Mantzoukas could take this on.
