Let’s be real for a second. Disney direct-to-video sequels usually have a reputation for being, well, kind of a mess. We grew up in that era where every theatrical masterpiece got a watered-down follow-up with lower-budget animation and songs you’d forget before the credits finished rolling. So, when Kronk’s New Groove dropped in 2005, a lot of people just wrote it off.
But here’s the thing: it’s actually pretty great.
If you loved The Emperor’s New Groove for its chaotic energy and the fact that it felt more like a Looney Tunes short than a standard princess fairy tale, you’ve probably realized that Kronk’s New Groove is the only sequel that truly matches that specific, weird vibe. It doesn't try to be The Lion King. It just tries to make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
What is Kronk’s New Groove actually about?
Most people remember Kronk as the lovable, spinach-puff-making henchman who could talk to squirrels. In this movie, he’s the star. We find him working as the head chef at Mudka’s Meat Hut, living his best life. But then he gets a letter. His father, Papi (voiced by the legendary John Mahoney), is coming to visit.
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Now, Papi is a "thumbs-down" kind of guy. He’s tough to please. Kronk, being the chronic people-pleaser he is, panics because he doesn't have the things Papi expects: a house on a hill and a wife. The movie basically becomes a series of frantic flashbacks explaining how Kronk almost had those things but lost them because he was too busy being a good person.
It’s an anthology-style structure. Sorta unusual for a Disney flick, but it works here because Kronk’s life is naturally chaotic.
The Yzma Problem (and the Best Villain Return)
You can't have a Groove movie without Yzma. Eartha Kitt returned to voice her, and honestly, she’s the highlight. In the first story, she’s back in human form (mostly) and running a "youth potion" scam on the elderly residents of the local rest home.
She recruits Kronk to help her sell "Kuzco-Bottled Lightning." It’s basically a pyramid scheme. Seeing Kronk struggle with his conscience while Yzma prances around in increasingly ridiculous outfits is pure comedy gold. The scene where they sell the potion to Old Man Rudy is both hilarious and slightly heartbreaking because you just want Kronk to succeed without being a criminal.
Why the humor still holds up in 2026
The reason Kronk’s New Groove works when other sequels fail is the meta-humor. It breaks the fourth wall constantly. Kuzco (David Spade) literally narrates the movie, pausing the frame to draw on the screen or complain that he’s not the main character.
It’s fast. It’s snappy. It uses:
- Slapstick that actually lands.
- Pop culture references that aren't too dated (mostly).
- A Lord of the Rings parody that came out of nowhere.
- Incredible physical comedy from Patrick Warburton’s vocal performance.
Patrick Warburton is Kronk. His deadpan delivery of the most absurd lines—like explaining the intricacies of a Junior Chipmunk salute—is why the character is a meme icon today.
The Camp Chippamunka Romance
The second major chunk of the movie introduces Miss Birdwell, voiced by Tracey Ullman. It’s a classic "enemies to lovers" trope. They are rival scout leaders at Camp Chippamunka.
Watching two incredibly buff, overly intense camp counselors fall in love over a synchronized cheering competition is exactly the kind of weirdness this franchise excels at. It’s not a deep, sweeping romance. It’s two people who both speak fluent squirrel finding their soulmate. When things go south because of a prank gone wrong involving a kid named Tipo, you actually feel for the big guy.
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The Voice Cast is Top-Tier
Usually, sequels lose the big names. Not this time.
- Patrick Warburton as Kronk (obviously).
- Eartha Kitt as Yzma (the goat).
- David Spade as Kuzco.
- John Goodman as Pacha.
- Wendie Malick as Chicha.
- John Mahoney as Papi.
Having the original cast back makes it feel legitimate. It doesn't feel like a cheap knock-off. John Mahoney, known for Frasier, brings a perfect "disappointed dad" energy that gives the movie its heart.
Is it better than the original?
Honestly? No.
The Emperor’s New Groove is a lightning-in-a-bottle masterpiece born from a disastrous production history that accidentally created the funniest movie Disney ever made. Kronk’s New Groove is a bit more disjointed. The "three short stories tied together" format can feel a little bit like episodes of a TV show stitched together.
But "not as good as the original" doesn't mean "bad."
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If the first movie is a 10/10, this is a solid 7.5/10. It’s comfortable. It’s funny. It’s the perfect movie to put on when you’ve had a long day and just want to see a giant man make spinach puffs and talk to a squirrel named Bucky.
Things most people miss about the movie
There are some fun details buried in the background that you might have missed if you haven't watched it lately.
First, the animation was handled by Toon City in the Philippines. While it’s direct-to-video, they did a great job keeping the "squash and stretch" style that made the first movie look so different from the rigid Disney style of the 90s.
Second, the soundtrack. While it doesn't have a "Perfect World" level bop, it features Earth, Wind & Fire’s "Let’s Groove." It fits the pun, sure, but it also gives the movie a high-energy disco vibe that shouldn't work in an Incan setting but totally does.
Lastly, there’s the continuity. This movie is technically a sequel, but then the TV show, The Emperor's New School, kinda ignores some of the character growth here. If you're a lore nerd, it's a bit of a headache. If you're just here for the vibes, it doesn't matter.
How to watch it today
You can find Kronk’s New Groove on Disney+ right now. It usually sits right next to the original.
If you’re planning a rewatch, here’s the best way to do it:
- Watch the original first to get the character dynamics fresh in your mind.
- Pay attention to the background characters—many of the villagers from the first movie return in small roles.
- Look for the hidden Mickeys; there are a few tucked away in the scenery during the Camp Chippamunka scenes.
- Don't skip the credits. The humor continues right until the very end.
Basically, stop treating this like a "bad sequel." It’s a spin-off that knows exactly what it is. It’s a tribute to one of the best characters in animation history. Kronk deserves his flowers, and this movie gives him the whole garden.
Next time you’re scrolling for something to watch, give the big guy a chance. The spinach puffs are waiting.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're revisiting the world of Kuzco and Kronk, start by checking out the "The Sweatbox" documentary online—it shows the wild history of how the first movie was made, which makes you appreciate the humor in the sequel even more. Then, host a themed watch party; it's surprisingly easy to find recipes for Kronk's famous spinach puffs, and they're a massive hit for a movie night. Finally, if you have kids or younger siblings, introduced them to The Emperor's New School after the movies to see how the humor evolved into a serialized format.