Disney is breathing new life into one of its most underappreciated animated films as The Emperor’s New Groove marks its 25th anniversary on December 15, 2025. The studio is honoring the cult classic with special content and merchandise that acknowledge the film’s remarkable journey from box office disappointment to beloved fan favorite.
To commemorate the milestone, Disney has shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes video featuring the talented voice cast recording their performances more than two decades ago.
Fans can watch Eartha Kitt command the booth as the villainous Yzma, John Goodman bring warmth to the kindhearted Pacha, Patrick Warburton deliver Kronk’s perfectly timed deadpan humor, and David Spade capture Kuzco’s sarcastic wit. The footage provides a nostalgic glimpse into the making of a film that would eventually capture the hearts of millions.
From Underdog to Icon
The Emperor’s New Groove had a rough start when it hit theaters in 2000. The film underperformed commercially and received mixed reviews from critics who weren’t sure what to make of its unconventional approach. Unlike the grand musical epics that defined Disney’s ’90s renaissance, this movie embraced absurdist comedy, broke the fourth wall, and prioritized laughs over emotional ballads.
The film’s troubled production history—it was originally conceived as a more serious musical called “Kingdom of the Sun”—contributed to skepticism about the final product. By the time it reached audiences, Disney was already shifting away from traditional animation, and The Emperor’s New Groove seemed like an odd experiment that didn’t quite fit anywhere.
But time has a way of revealing hidden gems. Through DVD sales, television broadcasts, and eventually streaming platforms, the film found its audience. Viewers who were children when it was released grew up quoting its dialogue and sharing clips online. The movie’s self-aware humor, which felt jarring in 2000, now seems ahead of its time in an era where Marvel films regularly break the fourth wall and comedies embrace meta-humor.
A New Generation Discovers the Magic
Social media has played a crucial role in reviving The Emperor’s New Groove’s legacy. Platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram are filled with memes featuring the film’s most memorable moments. Kronk’s conversations with his shoulder angel and devil have become reaction images. Yzma’s dramatic proclamations are endlessly quotable. Kuzco’s self-centered commentary resonates with viewers who appreciate the character’s journey from narcissism to genuine friendship.
@disney Watch the talented cast of The Emperor’s New Groove pull all the right levers to bring their characters to life. What’s your favorite line from the film? Stream The Emperor’s New Groove on @Disney+.
The story itself—a selfish emperor transformed into a llama who must learn humility with help from a peasant—contains surprising depth beneath its comedic surface. Themes of redemption, chosen family, and personal growth have given the film staying power beyond its jokes.
Celebrating the Revival
Disney’s 25th anniversary celebration includes the release of a limited edition Yzma doll, available at Disney Parks and on DisneyStore.com. The collectible represents more than just merchandise; it’s an acknowledgment that the film and its characters have earned a permanent place in Disney’s pantheon of classics.
The movie previously expanded into Kronk’s New Groove, a direct-to-video sequel, and The Emperor’s New School, an animated series that ran from 2006 to 2008. These extensions demonstrated early on that there was appetite for more content from this universe.
Now, with this anniversary recognition, Disney is officially reviving the film’s legacy and giving it the spotlight it was denied upon release. For the dedicated fans who never stopped loving Kuzco, Pacha, Kronk, and Yzma, this moment represents a long-awaited celebration of a film that has brought joy and laughter for a quarter century.
