Maya Hawke Says 'Inside Out 2' Helps Kids Understand Their Emotions

Maya Hawke has opened up about how her role as Anxiety in 'Inside Out 2' has deeply resonated with young audiences—and even helped them make sense of their emotions. During a recent conversation with co-star Amy Poehler on Poehler’s podcast 'Good Hang,' Hawke reflected on how meaningful it has been to bring the jittery, self-conscious character to life.

How  Maya Hawke's Character in 'Inside Out 2' Was Helpful to Kids?

The 'Stranger Things' star shared that playing Anxiety has been one of the great honours of her career. She described how children often connect with the character, saying that many young fans have told her they feel understood after watching the movie. Maya Hawke believes the film gives kids the language and courage to understand what’s happening in their own minds.

Image Courtesy: People

Maya Hawke also revealed that parents frequently ask her to record short messages for their children in the voice of Anxiety, especially during moments of fear or uncertainty. She explained that when a child feels nervous—for example, when a parent is unwell or facing a doctor's visit—she records gentle, reassuring messages reminding them to take deep breaths and trust that everything will be okay. For Hawke, these small acts of kindness show how powerful and comforting the character has become for young audiences.

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'Inside Out 2' Impact on Young Kids

Amy Poehler, who reprises her role as Joy in 'Inside Out 2,' noted that the movie's impact has gone far beyond what the cast and crew imagined. She reflected that the film’s emotional response from fans felt much bigger than the team behind it, describing the experience as rare and profoundly rewarding.

Image Courtesy: People

Maya Hawke agreed, saying that being part of a movie that entertains audiences while helping them process their emotions feels like something truly good for the world. She shared that the role also taught her valuable lessons about her own mental health. Instead of trying to silence or ignore anxious feelings, she learned to invite them in—to give them, as she put it, a comfortable chair. For Hawke, acknowledging anxiety and treating it with compassion has become a way to find calm and balance.

Since its release, 'Inside Out 2' has not only become a box office sensation—surpassing 'Frozen 2' to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time—but also a cultural touchstone for emotional intelligence. Both Hawke and Poehler see their success as proof that stories about feelings, vulnerability, and self-acceptance are more important than ever.

Image Courtesy: Prime Video

By giving Anxiety a voice, Maya Hawke has helped countless children and adults alike understand that every emotion, even the uncomfortable ones, deserves kindness and attention.

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