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The 7 Reasons Why Yzma From The Emperor's New Groove Is Still Disney's Most Iconic And Hilarious Villain (25 Years Later)

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Yzma, the self-proclaimed 'scary beyond all reason' former advisor to Emperor Kuzco, remains one of the most beloved and quoted villains in the entire Disney pantheon. Her blend of high-camp theatricality, bony-faced menace, and sheer comedic incompetence has cemented her status as a pop culture icon, a legacy that is more relevant than ever as the film celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2025.

The character’s enduring popularity is evidenced by a surge of new merchandise and collectibles released in late 2024 and 2025, confirming that fans are still obsessed with the villain who just wanted to "kill him!" This article dives deep into her unique profile, her phenomenal voice actress, and the fresh reasons why Yzma’s groove will never fade.

Yzma's Complete Profile and Biography

Yzma is the main antagonist of the 2000 animated feature film, The Emperor's New Groove, and a recurring villain in the subsequent spin-offs, Kronk's New Groove and the animated series The Emperor's New School. She is characterized as an evil sorceress and the Emperor's ancient, power-hungry royal advisor.

  • Full Name: Yzma
  • Role: Royal Advisor (formerly) to Emperor Kuzco, self-proclaimed scientist/sorceress.
  • First Appearance: The Emperor's New Groove (2000).
  • Voice Actress: The legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt (in the original film and spin-offs).
  • Goal: To usurp the throne from Kuzco, initially by poisoning him with a concoction from her secret lab.
  • Signature Appearance: Gaudy, elaborate, and often mismatched outfits, a bony, grayish complexion, and a towering, elaborate headdress that famously conceals the fact that she is bald.
  • Sidekick: The muscular yet dim-witted Kronk Pepikrankenitz, who she constantly belittles.
  • Final Form: Turned into a small, harmless kitten (in the film's climax).

Her character design, which emphasizes her skeletal frame and dramatic expressions, was intentionally crafted to be a stark, witty contrast to the youthful, self-absorbed Kuzco.

The Immortal Voice and Legacy of Eartha Kitt

One of the primary reasons for Yzma's timeless appeal is the unforgettable performance by her voice actress, the late, great Eartha Kitt. Kitt, a celebrated singer and actress known for her distinctive purr-like voice and stage presence, brought a unique blend of menace and high-comedy to the role.

The Catwoman Connection

Kitt’s casting as Yzma was a brilliant nod to her previous iconic role: Catwoman in the 1960s Batman television series. This connection is made even more humorous and meta when Yzma is accidentally transformed into a cat-woman (a cat, to be precise) by one of her own faulty potions in the film’s climax. The legacy of Eartha Kitt is inseparable from Yzma’s success.

Awards and Recognition

Eartha Kitt's work as Yzma extended beyond the original film into the animated series, The Emperor's New School, and the direct-to-video sequel, Kronk's New Groove. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her multiple accolades, including three Annie Awards and two Daytime Emmy Awards for her voice work as the eccentric villainess.

Why Yzma is Still Trending: The 25th Anniversary Boom

Despite being over two decades old, The Emperor's New Groove is experiencing a renewed wave of popularity, largely centered around the enduring love for Yzma and her henchman, Kronk. The film's 25th Anniversary in 2025 has triggered a significant release of new, high-end collectibles and merchandise throughout 2024 and heading into 2025, proving her lasting topical authority.

Limited Edition Collectibles (2024-2025)

The latest wave of merchandise has focused heavily on Yzma, moving her from a cult favorite to a centerpiece of Disney Villains collections. Key new items include:

  • Limited Edition 17" Yzma Doll: A highly anticipated, detailed collector's doll featuring Yzma in one of her most elaborate costumes, released as part of the 25th-anniversary celebration.
  • D23 Expo Exclusive Pins: Limited-edition pins, such as the MOG WDI Villains Yzma pin from the D23 Expo 2024, have become instant collector's items.
  • Disney Showcase Figurines: Collectibles like the Jim Shore "Emaciated Evil" figure and the Light-Up Collectible Figurine featuring Yzma and Kronk have been released, celebrating the film's milestone.
  • Topps Chrome Trading Cards: Yzma is prominently featured in the 2025 Topps Chrome Disney trading card set, specifically within the 25th Anniversary insert collection.

This merchandise boom confirms that Disney recognizes Yzma’s status as a top-tier villain, a character whose appeal rivals classics like Maleficent and Cruella de Vil.

The Enduring Appeal of Incompetent Evil

Unlike traditional Disney Villains who are purely menacing, Yzma's genius lies in her comedic incompetence. She is a powerful sorceress and scientist, but her elaborate plans are constantly foiled by her own hubris and the sheer stupidity of her sidekick, Kronk. This dynamic is the core of the film's humor.

The "Wrong Lever" Moment

Her secret lab, accessed via a series of ridiculous wrong levers, is a perfect visual metaphor for her character: brilliant in concept but utterly flawed in execution. This scene, and her iconic line, "Pull the lever, Kronk! Wrong lever!", is arguably the most quoted moment in the entire film. Her potions, intended to kill Kuzco, accidentally turn him into a llama, setting the entire plot in motion.

Her Role in Spin-Offs

Yzma’s character was so popular that she was essential to the film's continuation. In Kronk's New Groove, she attempts to regain her wealth and power, while in The Emperor's New School, she disguises herself as Principal Amzy (Yzma spelled backward) to sabotage Kuzco's education. Her recurring presence cemented her as the franchise's true star, even overshadowing the titular Emperor Kuzco and the kind-hearted Pacha.

From her hilarious fashion sense to her over-the-top pronouncements, Yzma remains a masterclass in comedic villainy. Her legacy, amplified by the unforgettable Eartha Kitt and celebrated by new 25th Anniversary collectibles, ensures that the "Emaciated Evil" will continue to groove for generations to come.

The 7 Reasons Why Yzma From The Emperor's New Groove Is Still Disney's Most Iconic and Hilarious Villain (25 Years Later)
yzma from emperor's new groove
yzma from emperor's new groove

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