The Shocking Recast: Who Played Disgust In Inside Out? (Mindy Kaling Vs. Liza Lapira)

The character Disgust, the green, stylish, and highly judgmental emotion in the Pixar hit *Inside Out*, has become one of the most recognizable and quotable animated figures of the last decade. However, fans tracking the release of the sequel, *Inside Out 2* (2024), were met with a surprising and significant change: the voice behind the iconic emotion was recast. As of the sequel's release in mid-2024, the voice of Disgust is no longer the actress who originated the role, creating a major talking point for moviegoers and a fresh piece of trivia for animation enthusiasts.

The answer to "who played Disgust in *Inside Out*?" is now a two-part answer, depending on which film you are watching. In the 2015 original, the role was famously voiced by comedy star Mindy Kaling. For the 2024 sequel, *Inside Out 2*, the role was taken over by accomplished film and television actress Liza Lapira. This change, which also affected the character Fear, is the most current and critical piece of information for anyone interested in the *Inside Out* cast.

Liza Lapira: The New Voice of Disgust (Inside Out 2) - Biography and Profile

The decision to replace Mindy Kaling was a monumental task, requiring an actress who could capture the character's signature blend of sass, skepticism, and quick-witted judgment. Pixar ultimately selected Liza Lapira, a seasoned performer with an extensive background in both comedy and drama on the big and small screens. Lapira's casting in *Inside Out 2* immediately brought her to a new level of mainstream recognition, but her career foundation is built on years of acclaimed work.

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• Full Name: Liza Lapira
• Date of Birth: December 3, 1981
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
• Ethnicity: Filipino-American
• Early Career: Began her career in New York City, working in theater and independent films before transitioning to major television and film roles.
• Notable Film Roles: Kianna in *21* (2008), a supporting role in *Cloverfield* (2008), and a role in *Fast & Furious* (2009).
• Notable Television Roles: Special Agent Michelle Lee in *NCIS*, Helen-Alice in the ABC sitcom *Super Fun Night*, and Kiki in *Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23*.
• Current Major Role: Stars as Melody 'Mel' Bayan on the CBS series *The Equalizer* alongside Queen Latifah, a role she has held since 2021.
• Voice Role: Disgust in *Inside Out 2* (2024).

Lapira's approach to Disgust was to honor the foundation laid by Mindy Kaling while also bringing her own "fresh take to the judgy emotion," as she described it in interviews. Her experience in fast-paced, ensemble TV shows like *The Equalizer* and *NCIS* prepared her for the quick-fire dialogue and comedic timing necessary to embody the green-hued emotion.

The Original Disgust: Mindy Kaling in Inside Out (2015)

The original voice of Disgust in the 2015 Academy Award-winning film *Inside Out* was Mindy Kaling. Kaling, a celebrated actress, comedian, writer, and producer, was integral to establishing the character's personality. Her distinctive voice and comedic persona—known for being sharp, fashionable, and slightly exasperated—were a perfect fit for the emotion tasked with protecting Riley from anything "gross" or "unpleasant."

Mindy Kaling is a comedy powerhouse, best known for her work as a writer and actress on the iconic series *The Office*, where she played the ambitious and often clueless Kelly Kapoor. She later created and starred in her own successful series, *The Mindy Project*. Her casting, along with fellow comedy legends like Amy Poehler (Joy) and Bill Hader (Fear), was a key factor in the original film's massive success and critical acclaim.

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The original core cast of emotions, which Kaling helped define, included:

• Joy: Amy Poehler
• Sadness: Phyllis Smith
• Anger: Lewis Black
• Fear: Bill Hader
• Disgust: Mindy Kaling

The ensemble’s chemistry was a major highlight, which is why the recast for *Inside Out 2* became such a significant news story.

Why Was Disgust Recast for Inside Out 2? The Salary Dispute

The most pressing question for fans upon hearing the news of the cast change was: why? The reason for the recasting of both Disgust and Fear for *Inside Out 2* stems from a reported salary dispute between the actors and Pixar/Disney. This is a crucial, modern detail that provides the "fresh" context for the topic.

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According to reports, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader, who voiced Fear in the original film, were offered a significantly lower salary to return for the sequel compared to the reported $5 million offered to Amy Poehler (Joy). While Poehler was reportedly offered a substantial bonus, Kaling and Hader were offered around $100,000 for their work on the sequel.

The discrepancy in pay led both actors to decline the offer, resulting in the roles being recast. This situation highlights the complex negotiations in Hollywood, even for major animated franchises. Kaling herself confirmed in an interview while promoting her series *Velma* that she would not be returning for the sequel.

The role of Fear, originally voiced by Bill Hader, was also recast, going to actor Tony Hale, known for his roles in *Arrested Development* and *Veep*.

Inside Out 2: The New Emotional Landscape and Cast

The casting change coincided with a major shift in Riley’s mind, as the core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—had to contend with the arrival of a new, more complex set of teenage emotions. This expansion of Riley’s emotional control panel in *Inside Out 2* further solidifies the need for updated information on the cast.

Liza Lapira's Disgust is now part of a larger ensemble grappling with the onset of puberty and the introduction of Anxiety and other new emotions. The new cast members and their respective emotions include:

• Anxiety: Maya Hawke (a major new emotion)
• Envy: Ayo Edebiri
• Ennui: Adèle Exarchopoulos
• Embarrassment: Paul Walter Hauser
• Fear (Recast): Tony Hale

The returning core cast who did not change includes Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger. The new dynamics between the established emotions and the new arrivals—especially the tension between Joy and Anxiety—form the central conflict of the sequel. Liza Lapira's performance as Disgust plays a crucial role in navigating this turbulent new emotional landscape as Riley enters her teenage years.

The Legacy of Disgust and the Future of the Franchise

Regardless of the actress behind the microphone, the character Disgust remains a vital component of the *Inside Out* narrative. She is the emotion responsible for matters of taste, both literally (food) and figuratively (fashion, social interactions). Her function is to keep Riley from being poisoned—physically or socially—by things she finds repulsive or uncool.

The transition from Mindy Kaling’s portrayal to Liza Lapira’s performance is a fascinating case study in animated film production. While Kaling’s original voice work is permanently etched into the memory of the first film, Lapira’s take on the character in *Inside Out 2* is now the definitive voice for the teenage version of Disgust, securing her place in the Pixar legacy. Fans have widely praised Lapira for successfully capturing the spirit of the character while adding a subtle, fresh layer of teenage skepticism and style to the emotion.

For those seeking the most current and accurate information, remember this dual casting: Mindy Kaling created the role in 2015, but Liza Lapira is the voice of Disgust in the current, highly-successful 2024 sequel, *Inside Out 2*.