Getting the chance to work on a Disney movie is something that few performers will actually pass up, given that these movies have a huge opportunity to become popular with a global audience. Many performers audition for these roles, some land them permanently, while others might get replaced and lose out on a huge opportunity.
Barbra Streisand is a living legend whose career has been amazing. Years back, she was offered the chance to voice an iconic Disney villain.
Let's take a look and see which villain Streisand was up for.
Barbra Streisand Is A Living Legend
Few performers working today can genuinely be considered legends of the movie business. Sure, the term does get thrown around a lot, but Hollywood doesn't make classic stars like they used to. When taking a look at the legends of yesteryear, Barbra Streisand is easily one of the most impressive names to ever grace the big screen.
Unlike many performers, Streisand was able to excel at virtually everything in the entertainment industry. She could act, she could sing, and she could do everything in between. Whether it was on the big screen or under the bright lights of Broadway, Streisand was always going to deliver the goods and churn out a performance that left people impressed.
Naturally, someone as successful as Streisand has taken home their fair share of awards, and there aren't many stars in history who are as decorated as the performer. She set an impossibly high bar for others to reach, and these awards are a testament to the skill she has always possessed.
Over the course of her career, Streisand accomplished virtually everything that a performer could hope for. Interestingly, there are a few things that the actress never did, one of which was voicing a character in a Disney film. She has, however, had an impact on a popular Disney movie in the past.
Streisand Has Impacted Disney Movies Before
Barbra Streisand might not be known for her work in Disney movies, but she has had an impact on the House of Mouse in the past. In fact, Streisand left a lasting impression on Beauty and the Beast, which was one of Disney's biggest hits during its Renaissance period.
Paige O'Hara was inspired by Streisand growing up, and she said, "Yes, pretty much so, as little kid, I was in acting class. I would sing and dance around the living room with my mom to show records, in particular Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, and Ella Fitzgerald. I probably realized around 10 or 11 years old that I actually had a voice.”
As if this isn't impressive enough, Streisand also impacted the delivery of a line in the song "Something There."
According to EW, "When O'Hara kept singing a sweet, slightly dreamy version of the line "New and a bit alarming," Ashman whispered a message to Menken: Tell Paige on that line: Streisand. "And she got it," Menken says. "'New and a bit a-LAR-ming.' That's exactly the performance she gave, and it gave exactly the sense of irony on that line.'"
Clearly, Disney has leaned on Streisand in the past, and they were hoping that she could be the voice of a character who went on to become an iconic villain.
Disney Wanted Her To Play Yzma In 'The Emperor's New Groove'
So, which iconic villain did Barbra Streisand nearly voice on the big screen? According to Fandom, Streisand was a major contender to voice the infamous Yzma from 'The Emperor's New Groove!'
For the unfamiliar, The Emperor's New Groove was a project that underwent a ton of changes during its overall production process. Early on, the movie was called Kingdom of the Sun, and it featured an entirely different voice cast and even had a few different characters, as well. Over time, many changes would take place, and it would lead to the film that hit the big screen.
Streisand was the voice that Disney wanted for Yzma, but the actress turned down the role. Eventually, the legendary Eartha Kitt would land the role and deliver an iconic performance in the film. While The Emperor's New Groove wasn't the major hit that Disney was hoping for, there is no denying that Kitt's performance was brilliant and is a huge reason why many still love the movie.
The Emperor's New Groove almost looked a whole lot different at one point, and while Streisand could have done some great things as Yzma, the right person got the gig.