Kuzco, the self-centered emperor from Disney’s 2001 animated film, embarks on a transformative journey after being turned into a llama by his scheming advisor, Izma. Originally, the film was set to end with Kuzco sparing a village but causing environmental destruction. Influenced by Sting’s environmental advocacy, the final version showcases Kuzco’s growth as he builds a modest home alongside Pacha, preserving the rainforest and emphasizing community. Kuzco’s story is now available for streaming on Disney+.
Kuzco: A Journey of Transformation
Kuzco, the self-absorbed emperor, is undoubtedly a classic Disney character, bringing laughter and charm to audiences everywhere. The delightful antics of this megalomaniac ruler are unforgettable, and we wouldn’t change a thing about his story. However, it’s fascinating to know that the film nearly concluded with a very different ending that could have altered its core message entirely.
In the beloved 2001 animated feature, we meet Kuzco, an egotistical and whimsical young Inca emperor who is solely focused on his desires, disregarding the consequences of his actions on others. His grand ambition? To construct an opulent summer palace on the most stunning hill in his empire, even if it means uprooting a small village and displacing his subjects in the process.
Original Ending vs. Final Message
Warning: Spoilers Ahead! The plot thickens when Kuzco is unintentionally transformed into a llama by his cunning advisor Izma, who seeks to overthrow him. This unexpected twist sends Kuzco on a journey of redemption, forcing him to team up with Pacha, the villager he had planned to destroy for his selfish gains, in order to reclaim his human form.
The film concludes with Kuzco experiencing significant personal growth: he wisely decides to build a modest home on the neighboring hill of his newfound friend Pacha, leading to a harmonious resolution. This ending ensures that the precious rainforest and its inhabitants remain unharmed. In contrast, the original ending had Kuzco sparing Pacha’s village but still wreaking havoc on nature by destroying large sections of the forest.
Sting’s Environmental Advocacy
The creation of this animated classic was not without its challenges. Initially inspired by Mark Twain’s *The Prince and the Pauper*, the film was originally titled *The Kingdom of the Sun* and intended to have a serious tone, akin to *Pocahontas*. This concept initially drew the attention of the renowned musician Sting, who was set to compose the original soundtrack.
However, after significant script revisions and the departure of co-director Roger Allers, the sole director Mark Dindal shifted the film’s direction towards a zany comedy, which we all adore today. Unfortunately, this new comedic direction included an environmentally unfriendly ending that Sting vehemently opposed. As an ardent advocate for indigenous rights and environmental issues, Sting made it clear that he could not support such a narrative.
In his own words, Sting stated, “I wrote them a letter and I said this: ‘If you do this, I resign, because it’s exactly the opposite of what I’m fighting for. I’ve spent 20 years trying to defend the rights of indigenous peoples, and you’re trampling on them to build a theme park. I will not be complicit in that.’” This ultimatum posed a significant choice for Disney: retain the controversial ending or keep the talented musician on board.
Ultimately, Disney chose to honor Sting’s commitment to environmentalism, leading to the beloved ending we cherish today. Seeing Kuzco and Pacha enjoying their summers on their respective hills—without the destruction of the village or the forest—has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. A heartfelt thank you goes to Sting for ensuring that the film conveyed an important message about nature and community.
Kuzco, the megalomaniac emperor, is now available for streaming on Disney+!