Disney Outlaws ‘Emperor’s New Groove’ Film, 24 Years After Release

Sorry Disney, but you’ve thrown off our groove.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) stands as a distinctive entry in Disney’s animated filmography, deviating from the studio’s traditional fairy tale adaptations. This animated comedy, directed by Mark Dindal, tells the story of the self-centered Emperor Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor, Yzma.

With a unique blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of heart, the film explores Kuzco’s journey from a spoiled ruler to a more compassionate individual. The film’s comedic approach, characterized by its fast-paced gags and modern sensibilities, set it apart from Disney’s more classic, musical-driven narratives.

The voice cast of The Emperor’s New Groove contributed significantly to its charm. David Spade’s portrayal of Kuzco brought a sharp, sarcastic wit that perfectly complemented John Goodman’s warm and grounded voice as Pacha, the kind-hearted peasant who helps Kuzco regain his throne.

Eartha Kitt’s performance as Yzma and Patrick Warburton’s portrayal of her dim-witted henchman Kronk added layers of humor and memorable character dynamics. Despite initial box office challenges, the film garnered a cult following over time, appreciated for its unique style and quotable lines.

The production of The Emperor’s New Groove itself was a story of transformation. Originally conceived as a more serious and traditional epic titled Kingdom of the Sun, the project underwent significant changes due to creative differences and production issues.

This tumultuous process ultimately resulted in a lighter, more comedic direction. The film’s eventual release marked a shift in Disney’s approach to animated storytelling, emphasizing humor and character-driven plots over grand narratives, paving the way for future projects that embraced a similar tone.

Even as the production’s disarray passed away and the film’s reception was positive, it still hasn’t stopped The Emperor’s New Groove from being one of the most head-scratching projects in Disney’s history.

Disney attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the first film with two low-budget spinoffs — Kronk’s New Groove (2005), which went direct to video, and The Emperor’s New School, which ran for two seasons on Disney Channel — but never invested true capital in attempting to have a big score at the box office.

Now, even as the Disney film remains one of the most beloved movies by those who have seen it, there are no signs that we’ll ever see the franchise become anything more than what it already is.

Despite the cult following and enduring fanfare that The Emperor’s New Groove has garnered over the years, Disney has essentially blacklisted the film within its theme parks and broader merchandising. Unlike many of its animated counterparts, the movie lacks significant representation in Disney’s various parks worldwide.

There are no dedicated attractions, themed areas, or regular character meet-and-greet opportunities featuring Kuzco, Yzma, or any other beloved characters from the film. This absence is particularly striking given the film’s unique charm and the passionate fanbase it has cultivated.

For many Disney enthusiasts, The Emperor’s New Groove is considered one of the most underrated movies in the company’s animated canon. The film’s witty humor, memorable characters, and engaging storyline have earned it a special place in the hearts of fans.

However, despite this affection, Disney has not capitalized on the film’s popularity in the way it has with other movies from its animated library. The lack of themed merchandise, attractions, or even simple nods within the parks has left many fans feeling that the movie has been unjustly sidelined.

The banned Emperor’s New Groove film you never knew about

This neglect is particularly puzzling given Disney’s usual strategy of leveraging its animated films across multiple platforms and experiences. Successful movies typically see extensive cross-promotion, including rides, shows, and themed events. Yet, The Emperor’s New Groove remains an exception. Fans often express their frustration and disappointment over this exclusion, especially as other, less celebrated films receive more attention.

The marginalization of The Emperor’s New Groove within Disney’s broader ecosystem is further highlighted by the existence of The Sweatbox, a controversial and largely unseen documentary that chronicles the film’s tumultuous production.

Directed by Trudie Styler, the wife of musician Sting (who was originally involved in creating music for the film), The Sweatbox provides an unfiltered look at the creative struggles and extensive reworking that transformed the original project, Kingdom of the Sun, into the comedic The Emperor’s New Groove.

Disney’s decision to suppress the documentary, which offers a candid portrayal of behind-the-scenes conflicts and the challenging realities of the animation process, mirrors its overall reluctance to fully embrace and promote The Emperor’s New Groove.

The documentary’s restricted availability and Disney’s apparent effort to distance itself from the film’s rocky origins contribute to the sense that the movie has been deliberately sidelined, despite its critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase. This suppression, coupled with the lack of park representation, paints a picture of a film that, while beloved by many, remains conspicuously absent from Disney’s celebrated roster of animated classics.

The Emperor’s New Groove can be streamed on Disney+, but the documentary remains banned.