It was directed by Mark Dindal and produced by Randy Fullmer , from a screenplay written by David Reynolds , and based on a story conceived by Dindal and Chris Williams. Inspired by ancient Peruvian culture and set in an Incan empire, The Emperor's New Groove follows Emperor Kuzco voiced by Spade , who is accidentally transformed into a llama by his treacherous ex-advisor, Yzma Kitt , and her dimwitted henchman Kronk Warburton. For the emperor to change back into a human , he entrusts a village leader, Pacha Goodman , to escort him back to the palace before Yzma can track them down and finish him off.
Development of The Emperor's New Groove began in when the film was conceived as a musical epic titled Kingdom of the Sun. Following his directorial debut with The Lion King , Roger Allers recruited English musician Sting to compose several songs for the film. Because of the underwhelming box-office performances of Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame , Dindal was brought in as co-director to make the film more comedic.
A documentary, The Sweatbox , details the production troubles that The Emperor's New Groove endured during its six years of development. In the years since its release, The Emperor's New Groove has garnered a cult following among fans. A direct-to-video spin-off sequel, Kronk's New Groove , was released in , and an animated television series, The Emperor's New School , aired on the Disney Channel from to In South America Incan emperor Kuzco has been spoiled his entire life, and has become incredibly conceited.
On the day before his 18th birthday, Kuzco announces his plan to demolish a nearby village and have a lavish summer home constructed in its place, despite the objections of its leader Pacha. Kuzco also discovers his elderly advisor and alchemist Yzma usurping his duties and summarily fires her.
Yzma and her bumbling henchman Kronk plot to poison Kuzco's wine and take over the empire before the news of Yzma's termination becomes public. However, Kronk takes the wrong chemical vial from Yzma's laboratory , accidentally turning Kuzco into a llama. Yzma orders Kronk to knock Kuzco out, take him outside the city, and kill him. An attack of conscience and a series of mishaps causes Kronk to drop the sack containing the unconscious Kuzco; the sack lands on the back of Pacha's cart, and Pacha leaves the city before Kronk can catch up to him.
