Riley’s First Date? Talking to Kyle MacLachlan & Kaitlyn Dias
Introduction: A Fun New Chapter in Pixar’s Inside Out
As a content marketer, I’m always eager to dive into the stories behind the scenes, and when I had the opportunity to explore Pixar’s latest animated short, Riley’s First Date?, I couldn’t resist! Released as part of the home entertainment package for Inside Out, this short was a delightful addition to the emotional journey we’ve come to love. Riley, now 12, faces a major milestone—her first date. But the true heart of the story lies in how her parents, Bill and Jill Andersen, handle the situation. It’s a moment every parent can relate to, and it’s made even more entertaining with the voices of Kaitlyn Dias (Riley) and Kyle MacLachlan (Bill).
A Perfect Day in San Francisco: Behind the Scenes at Pixar
While in San Francisco for an InsideOutBloggers event, I was lucky enough to watch Riley’s First Date? and later interview the talented voice actors behind Riley and her dad. The historic Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco set the stage for an exciting afternoon where we got to talk about everything from the film’s music choices to the process of voice acting at Pixar.
Riley’s First Date? and Its Universal Appeal
The story is simple: Riley’s parents suspect she’s going on a date when a boy named Jordan shows up at the door. The emotions inside her parents’ heads—especially her dad’s Fear—are on full alert. Bill (voiced by Kyle MacLachlan) is trying to be the protective father, while Jill (Diane Lane) is attempting to stay cool. The emotions within Riley, led by Disgust, are just as confused and overwhelmed. It’s a hilarious, relatable take on the first date every parent dreads.
Music that Hits the Right Note
One of the standout features of Riley’s First Date? is its choice of music. AC/DC’s classic rock hits are used to amplify the intensity of the moment. Kyle MacLachlan shared with us his love for music from the 70s, noting that although he’s a fan of AC/DC, his heart truly belongs to Led Zeppelin. This insight into his musical tastes was a fun part of our conversation!
Kaitlyn Dias: From Scratch Voice to Leading Lady
Kaitlyn Dias, the voice of Riley, was only 11 years old when she first joined the Inside Out team. She shared how she started with the role as a scratch voice before being officially cast. “It really blew my mind,” she told us. Her excitement to be part of such a monumental Disney film was palpable, and it’s amazing to see how her voice brought Riley to life on screen.
Kyle MacLachlan’s Fatherly Approach to Bill Andersen
Kyle MacLachlan, who voiced Riley’s dad, Bill, reflected on how his own fatherhood experiences influenced his portrayal. “I just brought in how I relate to my son,” he explained. MacLachlan, who has a 7-year-old son named Kallum, brings a calm, patient energy to Bill, which contrasts beautifully with Riley’s emotions in the film.
Who’s Your Favorite Emotion?
When we asked both actors which emotion they relate to most, the answers were as entertaining as you’d expect. Kaitlyn didn’t hesitate to choose Anger, not just because of his hilarious expressions, but because Anger “explodes and you can make s’mores off of him!” As for Kyle, his pick was Joy, explaining that he often finds himself in a “joy mode” most of the time. His ability to channel Joy’s playful spirit into his character really shows in the film.
A Heartfelt Message from Inside Out
Speaking with Kyle MacLachlan, it became clear that Inside Out resonates on a deeper level than just being an animated film for kids. As he reflected on the emotional themes of the movie, he noted that parenting sometimes means accepting painful moments as part of growth. Inside Out has an emotional depth that speaks not only to children but to adults as well. MacLachlan summed it up perfectly: “The thing that’s going to make it easier is just to have the fun—to be present as a family.”
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Riley’s First Date?
Riley’s First Date? is an emotional rollercoaster, packed with laughs, music, and a relatable narrative that speaks to every parent’s heart. I loved every second of this four-minute gem and can’t wait to see more Pixar shorts in the future. It’s a perfect addition to your Inside Out collection and offers a glimpse into Riley’s world as she navigates the world of adolescence.
Call-to-Action: Bring Pixar’s Magic Home
If Riley’s First Date? made you laugh or reminded you of your own parenting moments, you can bring home Inside Out and other Pixar films through my Amazon affiliate link here. Your purchase helps support more content like this!
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