It took over twenty years, but justice has finally been served—well, Disney-style anyway. The Emperor’s New Groove, one of the most underrated and beloved animated comedies in Disney’s collection, is finally getting some real attention in the parks. It’s all thanks to the new villain-themed show Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At last, the legendary Yzma is stepping into the spotlight in a way that fans have been hoping for.
This new live production isn’t just recycling the same old list of iconic Disney villains. Sure, Maleficent, Jafar, and Ursula are here, but the real surprise is how deep Disney is digging into its vault. And right near the top of that surprise list? Yzma—complete with her signature over-the-top scheming and theatrical flair.
Why This Movie Deserved More
When The Emperor’s New Groove hit theaters in 2000, it didn’t quite explode at the box office like some of Disney’s other animated films. It was quirky, fast-paced, and leaned more into slapstick than fairy tale romance—something that made it a bit of an oddball at the time. But despite the modest commercial success, the film found its audience in a big way. Over the years, it’s developed a passionate fanbase that quotes the movie endlessly and still laughs at every scene-stealing moment from Kronk and Yzma.
And yet, even with all that love, Disney has mostly kept the film in the background—until now. With Unfairly Ever After, Disney is finally recognizing what fans have known all along: Yzma is one of the most original and entertaining villains they’ve ever created.
A Stage Show That Finally Gets It
The concept behind Unfairly Ever After is both fun and clever. The show features the Magic Mirror as the host, asking the audience to determine which villain has been treated the most unfairly. It gives the characters a chance to plead their case and, in the process, brings a ton of lesser-used villains into the spotlight.
Yzma’s inclusion makes perfect sense. Her whole story is built around being pushed to the sidelines after years of service, only to be replaced by a selfish teenager with no appreciation for her work. That backstory fits seamlessly with the show’s theme, and her role is far from a throwaway moment. She’s got lines, staging, choreography—everything you’d expect from a star. And judging by the cheers from the audience, she’s stealing the show all over again.
A Big Moment for Fans
Seeing Yzma featured in such a major way means a lot for fans who have felt like The Emperor’s New Groove never got its due. This is the kind of recognition that often goes to more mainstream hits. Disney’s decision to include Yzma suggests they’re paying more attention to what fans are talking about and loving online.
There’s something really satisfying about watching a character that was long overlooked suddenly become the star of the show. It’s also a reminder that not every fan-favorite has to come from a billion-dollar franchise. Sometimes, all it takes is one perfectly timed line, a dramatic wardrobe, and a squirrel-themed potion plan.
More to Come?
If Unfairly Ever After proves anything, it’s that audiences are ready to see more than just the classics on stage. Disney has a huge lineup of memorable characters that have been waiting for a moment like this. Yzma getting her time to shine is a great step in the right direction, and hopefully, there’s more to come when Villains Land opens in Magic Kingdom.
So next time you’re in Hollywood Studios, make sure to catch the show—and get ready to cheer when Yzma struts onstage. After all, she’s been waiting for this moment for over two decades.
