The Emperor's New Groove, 2000
A great collection of original production animation drawings for sale from the Walt Disney feature film.
Original production animation drawing of Yzma in graphite pencil from "The Emperor's New Groove," 2000, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered Y39 lower right; Animation ladder upper right; Size - Yzma: 7 x 7 1/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original production animation drawing of Yzma in graphite pencil from "The Emperor's New Groove," 2000, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered Y39 lower right; Animation ladder upper right; Size - Yzma: 7 x 7 1/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed.
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Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, released in 2000, is one of the studio’s most unconventional animated films—an irreverent comedy that stands apart from the sweeping musicals and fairy tales of the Disney Renaissance era. Directed by Mark Dindal, the film tells the story of Kuzco, a vain and self-centered young emperor in a mythical Incan-inspired kingdom, who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor, Yzma. Stranded far from his palace, Kuzco reluctantly teams up with a humble village farmer named Pacha to return home and regain his human form. Along the way, he learns humility, compassion, and the true
meaning of friendship.
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Unlike many of Disney’s earlier features, The Emperor’s New Groove is primarily a fast-paced buddy comedy rather than a musical or romantic adventure. Its humor is sharp, absurd, and self-aware—more akin to a modern sitcom or Looney Tunes cartoon than a traditional Disney fairy tale. The film’s tone is driven by witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and a strong sense of timing, with characters frequently breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience. This comedic energy marked a significant shift in Disney’s style, appealing to both children and adults with its playful irreverence.
The film’s voice cast is central to its charm. David Spade’s performance as Kuzco perfectly captures the emperor’s snarky arrogance and eventual growth, while John Goodman brings warmth and sincerity to Pacha. Eartha Kitt’s over-the-top portrayal of Yzma, the scheming villain, and Patrick Warburton’s lovable but dimwitted henchman Kronk, provide some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the movie. Their dynamic, particularly the comedic chemistry between Yzma and Kronk, elevates the film’s humor to classic status among Disney fans.
Visually, The Emperor’s New Groove departs from the elaborate, painterly look of earlier Disney animations, opting instead for bold, stylized designs and bright colors that enhance its comic sensibility. The animation reflects the story’s fast rhythm and zany tone, using exaggerated expressions and creative visual gags to complement the humor. The film’s score by John Debney and songs by Sting further enrich the experience, though the music plays a lighter role than in most Disney features, reinforcing the film’s focus on comedy over spectacle.
Initially, The Emperor’s New Groove faced a troubled production—originally conceived as an epic musical titled Kingdom of the Sun—but the final version emerged as a lean, funny, and refreshingly different film. Although it was modest at the box office compared to Disney’s 1990s hits, it became a cult favorite over time, beloved for its clever writing, quotable lines, and eccentric characters. Today, it stands as one of Disney’s most unique and purely comedic achievements—a film that thrives on its spontaneity, heart, and joyful absurdity.
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