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The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove is a 2000 American animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Emperor's New Groove is a 2000 American animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Set in a stylized version of the Inca Empire, it follows Emperor Kuzco after he is transformed into a llama and forced to rely on a village leader, Pacha, to regain his throne and human form.

Plot

The film follows the selfish emperor Kuzco after his advisor Yzma plots against him and he is accidentally transformed into a llama. Kuzco must work with Pacha, a kind village leader, to get back to the palace before Yzma can stop him.

Production

The project began as Kingdom of the Sun, a different concept inspired by South American cultures and the Inca Empire. It was later reworked into a comedy with a lighter, more irreverent tone.

Release and reception

The Emperor's New Groove was released by Disney in December 2000. It later developed a strong cult following and is frequently noted for its comedy and unusual place in Disney's animated canon.

Music

Unlike many Disney animated features, the film contains very few musical numbers and is often described as one of the studio's non-musical animated releases. Its original song "My Funny Friend and Me" earned an Academy Award nomination.

Key facts

  • The film centers on Emperor Kuzco, who is turned into a llama by his former advisor Yzma.
  • Pacha, a village leader, helps Kuzco return to the palace and reclaim his human form.
  • The story is loosely inspired by the Inca Empire and ancient Peruvian culture.
  • It was released in 2000 and became the 40th animated feature produced by Disney.
  • A direct-to-video sequel, Kronk's New Groove, was released in 2005.
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Canadian context

The film was released theatrically in Canada in English and remains a familiar title for Canadian audiences through Disney home video, television, and streaming distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Emperor's New Groove about?
It is about Emperor Kuzco, who is turned into a llama and must team up with Pacha to regain his throne and human form.
When was The Emperor's New Groove released?
It was released on December 15, 2000.
Who voices Kuzco?
David Spade voices Emperor Kuzco.
Is The Emperor's New Groove a musical?
No. It is widely noted as one of Disney's animated films with very few musical numbers.
What inspired the film's setting?
Its setting is loosely based on the Inca Empire and ancient Peruvian culture.
Did the film have a sequel?
Yes. The direct-to-video sequel Kronk's New Groove was released in 2005.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor's_New_Groove
    Supports: Plot, setting, main characters, voice cast, and general film overview.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor's_New_Groove
    Supports: Release date, Disney production, Academy Award nomination, and sequel.
  3. Channel Frederator — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkQekLl5xYo
    Supports: Development history noting the earlier Kingdom of the Sun concept.
  4. WatchMojo — https://watchmojo.com/amp/articles/10-facts-about-the-voice-over-and-behind-the-scenes-chaos
    Supports: Background on development as Kingdom of the Sun and Inca-inspired setting.
  5. D23 — https://d23.com/d23-video/5-facts-about-the-emperors-new-groove/
    Supports: 20th-anniversary context and general film facts.