Dream Productions is the newest addition and the first series in the Inside Out franchise. The Disney+ animated show brings back Riley from the film series and follows a team of directors who are trying to come up with the perfect dream for her.
The four-episode series introduces new characters like Paula Persimmon, Xeni, and Jean Dewberry, while bringing back familiar faces like Joy and Rainbow Unicorn. It serves as an interquel between the two films.
The show tells the story of a time when Riley is a tween and is stuck between the feelings of her childhood and the struggles of her teenage. Dream Productions ending connects to Inside Out 2, introducing themes and characters that are seen in the sequel.
How does the Dream Productions ending connect to Inside Out 2?
Dream Productions plays an important role in expanding the Inside Out franchise by delving into concepts that have not been seen in the films yet. The show focuses on how Riley’s dreams are made.
In the fourth and final episode, the Dream Productions ending ties into themes and events that are further explored in Inside Out 2. One of the biggest connections to the sequel film comes from how the show handles Riley’s personal growth.
The series showcases Riley as a tween, stuck between her childhood and the pressures of becoming a teenager. Paula struggles to make dreams that are fit for Riley’s young mind, featuring childish elements like glitter and the Rainbow Unicorn.
On the other hand, Janelle and Xeni want to give her more mature dreams. This connects with Riley’s inner conflict in Inside Out 2, where she deals with new and mature emotions as she becomes a teenager.
Dream Productions also marks the formal entry of Bree and Grace into Riley’s life. The two are shown to be her best friends in Inside Out 2. In the show, their friendship grows as they plan for the school dance, and Riley starts relying on her friends for support.
This is a significant shift from the first film, where she depends more on her family. This shows how the trio grows close and explains why Riley feels bad about learning her friends will be attending a different high school in Inside Out 2.
The series also depicts Riley’s growth and development. These themes are later explored in detail in Inside Out 2. In Dream Productions, when the head of the studio, Jean, tries to create a nightmare for Riley, Paula, Xeni, and Janelle work together to stop it.
They give Riley control over her dream and transform it from a scary nightmare into a peaceful experience. Even though Riley does not remember the dream when she wakes up, it gives her the confidence to face her fears about going to the school dance.
Meanwhile, Paula becomes the new head of the studio and learns that dreams need a mix of fun and realism to prepare Riley for life’s challenges. This sets the stage for Riley’s character development in Inside Out 2, and she gets ready to face complex emotions like anxiety, ennui, envy, and embarrassment.
Hence, Dream Productions not only fills the gap between the two films but also forms an emotional ground for Inside Out 2. The series connects to the film’s themes and events by showing Riley’s growth, her friendships, and her struggles.
Dream Productions and the two Inside Out films are available to stream on Disney+.