Chris Appelhans
Chris Appelhans (born April 28, 1980) is an American illustrator, production designer, and director known for writing/directing Sony Pictures Animation's Wish Dragon (2021) and co-directing KPop Demon Hunters (2025). He started as a concept artist for films like Monster House, The Princess and the Frog, and Coraline, earning an Annie Award nomination for Coraline, and has illustrated children's books like A Greyhound, a Groundhog. He studied at Art Center College of Design and resides in Los Angeles with his wife, author Maurene Goo. Their son was born in 2020.
Wish Dragon
(Director)
Wish Dragon
(Writer)
Coraline
(Art Department Manager)
The Princess and the Frog
(Visual Development)
Rise of the Guardians
(Art Department Manager)
Monster House
(Conceptual Design)
City of Ember
(Conceptual Design)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
(Art Department Manager)
Puss in Boots
(Visual Development)
KPop Demon Hunters
(Director)
Rise of the Guardians
(Additional Writing)
Rise of the Guardians
(Character Designer)
KPop Demon Hunters
(Screenplay)
Untitled KPop Demon Hunters Sequel
(Writer)
Untitled KPop Demon Hunters Sequel
(Director)
Wish Dragon 2
(Writer)
Untitled Lord Farquaad Movie
(Writer)