Sting Largely Cut Out of Disney Movie

Originally scheduled to perform five songs in the Disney movie "Kingdom of the Sun," Sting's role in "The Emperor's New Groove" has been reduced to two songs, only one of which is sung by the artist himself, and that during the closing credits. The Disney movie was initially to be titled "Kingdom of the Sun" and directed by Roger Allers, of "Lion King" fame. However, the direction, title, and nature of the production was altered drastically when Peter Schneider, Disney's new production chief, disliked the original efforts.

Tom Shumacher, Disney's president of feature animation, claims that the changes were quite natural, noting that "Both 'Toy Story 2' and 'The Lion King' changed directors." Schumacher further claimed that Sting is perfectly content with his reduced role in the movie, though the singer's wife, Trudi Styler, has made a documentary titled "Inside the Sweat Box," which chronicles her husband's diminished role.

In response, Schumacher notes "I was just sitting with Trudi and Sting and I think it will be great. The title refers to a technical term in animation, it's not pejorative at all."

The movie opens with a Sting song, titled "My Perfect World," which is sung by Tom Jones, and wraps up its credits with a Sting song that is performed by Sting himself. Three additional Sting songs appear on the movie's soundtrack, but are not included in the movie.