Kingdom of the Sun

Kingdom of the Sun is often called and was the working title for 'The Emperor's New Groove'. The project was killed on September 22, 1998 with 20 to 30 million dollars invested and 25% of the animation completed when it became apparent that it'd be unable to meet a December 2000 release. This article details the project as it was under the Kingdom of the Sun title before a massive overhaul.

Cast

 * Owen Wilson as Pacha, after being threatened and then tempted by Manco to switch places with him Pacha finds himself in a position of influence in the Empire and with his simple ways and compassion comes to be seen as a change in Manco which Nina, Manco's fiance' comes to admire. His desire to better the Empire conflicts with having to do as Yzma requests as Yzma would reveal him as a fake to Nina and the court. He however loves the sun, and believes that light can be brought to any situation- an aspect of his character Yzma finds difficult to curropt.
 * ??? as Manco (latter named Kuzco), a Prince (in latter drafts Emperor) of the Inca who is turned into a Llama by Yzma. He learns humility in that form and sees the world of the commoner from the Llama's perspective and that of Mata the Llama herder.
 * Laura Prepon as Mata, the Llama herder that Manco learns humility from in his Llama form. They grow close and she set out to help him undo Yzma's curse.
 * Carla Gugino as Nina, Manco's betrothed who unknowingly falls in love with the peasant Pacha who has taken Manco's place. She wants Manco to remain the better person she thinks he's become so she encourages Pacha to keep the high ground which helps him have the courage to resist Yzma's influence.
 * Barbara Streisand as Yzma, the Court Sorceress who was taught magic by her father- the former court Mortician. Her father taught her how to prolong her life through magic but she was getting wrinkles and determining that such was caused by the Sun has set out to summon the god of Darkness to blot out the sun so she can remain free from the signs of aging. She turns Manco into a Llama and threatens to reveal Pacha to be a fake unless he does as Yzma requests of him. She wants his assistance in killing Kuzco assuring him that once Kuzco is gone he'll be able to be able to make the broad changes he desires of the Empire and rule with Nina.
 * ??? as Kuzco (latter merged with Manco into one character), the Inca Emperor and older brother of Manco the embodiment of the Sun on Earth. Yzma wants him dead so she can blot out the sun.

Crew

 * Music by Sting