It’s actually happening. After more than two decades of being overlooked by Disney’s biggest stage productions, The Emperor’s New Groove is finally being recognized in a major way—and it’s all thanks to the new villain show Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This brand-new show doesn’t just bring out the usual suspects like Maleficent and Jafar. It reaches deep into Disney’s vault and brings forward characters that longtime fans have been dying to see more of. And at the top of that list? Yzma. Yes, the dramatic, power-hungry, potion-brewing former advisor to Emperor Kuzco is finally getting her moment.
A Cult Classic Steps Into the Spotlight
When The Emperor’s New Groove was released in 2000, it didn’t quite make the splash Disney had hoped for at the box office. But that didn’t stop it from gaining a massive fanbase. Over the years, the film became a true cult classic. People fell in love with its offbeat humor, quick-witted dialogue, and unforgettable characters—especially Yzma, who was just the right mix of ridiculous and menacing.
Despite all the love the movie has gotten from fans, Disney has largely kept it at arm’s length when it comes to major live entertainment or theme park recognition. That changed with Unfairly Ever After, a new stage show that features more than 50 villains and finally gives Yzma a spot on the stage alongside Disney’s most iconic bad guys.
Unfairly Ever After Puts Villains Front and Center
The show itself is built around a clever premise: the Magic Mirror wants the audience to decide which Disney villain has been treated the most unfairly. That framing opens the door for some deep cuts and unexpected appearances, and Yzma fits that theme perfectly. Her entire character arc in The Emperor’s New Groove is built on the idea that she was wronged and cast aside—perfect fodder for this kind of interactive storytelling.
And it’s not just a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo. Yzma actually gets time in the spotlight. She’s part of a production that includes singing, choreography, clever one-liners, and of course, plenty of villainous flair. The audience response so far? Pure joy. Fans are thrilled to see one of Disney’s funniest and most original villains finally being treated like royalty—or at least as royalty-adjacent.
A Win for Fans
Yzma’s appearance in Unfairly Ever After means more than just a few laughs. It signals a shift in how Disney is treating its catalog of “underrated” films. The Emperor’s New Groove might not have been a merchandising machine like Frozen or a box office juggernaut like The Lion King, but its impact has been long-lasting. The movie has remained relevant thanks to internet memes, word of mouth, and a whole lot of people quoting Kronk in everyday conversations.
Seeing Yzma brought to life in such a big production is satisfying for fans who’ve always felt the movie never got the credit it deserved. It’s also a sign that Disney might be a little more willing to take chances on its less conventional characters.
This Is What Disney Should Be Doing More Often
The success of Unfairly Ever After shows that fans are hungry for more than just the greatest hits. There’s a whole world of quirky, unique, and underappreciated characters in Disney’s vault—and if the audience reaction to Yzma is any indication, people are more than ready to see them.
So if you’re heading to Hollywood Studios anytime soon, do yourself a favor and check out Unfairly Ever After. You’ll get the usual villain flair, but you’ll also get something fresh: a celebration of the characters that maybe didn’t win the popularity contest the first time around—but who’ve always had our hearts.
And yes, it’s about time Yzma had the last laugh.
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