Release: 2000-12-15
Runtime: 1h 18m (78 minutes)
When self-centered Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his scheming advisor, he is forced to rely on good-hearted peasant Pacha to get back home.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Family
Cast: John Goodman, Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malick, more
John Goodman
as Pacha (voice)
Patrick Warburton
as Kronk (voice)
Wendie Malick
as Chicha (voice)
John Fiedler
as Additional Voices (voice)
David Spade
as Kuzco (voice)
Bob Bergen
as Additional Voices (voice)
Kellyann Kelso
as Chaca (voice)
Eartha Kitt
as Yzma (voice)
Mickie McGowan
as Additional Voices (voice)
Jack Angel
as Villagers (voice) (uncredited)
Mark Dindal
as Kitty Yzma (voice) (uncredited)
Bill Farmer
as Villagers (voice) (uncredited)
When self-centered Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his scheming advisor, he is forced to rely on good-hearted peasant Pacha to get back home.
It's all about... ME!
The Emperor's New Groove is a delightful animated film that first graced theaters on 15 December 2000. Directed by Mark Dindal and produced by Randy Fullmer, the movie combines humor and adventure set against a backdrop inspired by ancient Incan culture.
The story follows Emperor Kuzco, voiced by David Spade, who is transformed into a llama due to the betrayal of his advisor, Yzma (voiced by Eartha Kitt). To regain his human form, he reluctantly teams up with a humble villager named Pacha, voiced by John Goodman. Together, they journey through the jungle, encountering various challenges while evading Yzma and her bumbling henchman, Kronk (played by Patrick Warburton).
The film's production began back in 1994, originally envisioned as a musical epic titled Kingdom of the Sun. Various changes in direction occurred over the years, leading to a lighter, comedic tone. The film ultimately turned out to be a fun buddy adventure, capturing the spirit of classic cartoons.
Upon its release, The Emperor's New Groove received mixed reviews but gradually gained popularity, especially on home video. It became the top-selling VHS in 2001. Over time, it has developed a loyal fanbase and is recognized for its witty humor and memorable characters.
Despite its rocky start at the box office, the film grossed around $169.7 million worldwide against a budget of $100 million. It has since been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song with "My Funny Friend and Me," performed by Sting, who originally composed music for the film.
The voice cast also includes Wendie Malick as Chicha, Pacha's supportive wife, and various other characters that add to the film's charm. The animation style is praised for its vibrant colors and dynamic character designs, further enhancing the comedic storytelling.
In addition to the original film, Disney produced a direct-to-video sequel titled Kronk's New Groove released in 2005 and an animated television series, The Emperor's New School, which aired from 2006 to 2008. Kuzco's character has remained a favorite, appearing in various Disney-related media.
Overall, The Emperor's New Groove stands out as a unique entry in Disney's animated lineup, combining humor with a heartfelt message about friendship and personal growth. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences today.
