Person
Chris Appelhans
Directing · Born 1980-04-28 · Firth, Idaho, USA
Biography
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.
Known for
KPop Demon Hunters
Director
Coraline
Art Department Manager
The Oscars
Self
The Princess and the Frog
Visual Development
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Art Department Manager
Rise of the Guardians
Art Department Manager
Monster House
Conceptual Design
Puss in Boots
Visual Development
Wish Dragon
Hot Towel Waiter / Nomani Retailer (voice)
City of Ember
Conceptual Design
Filmography
- 2025KPop Demon HuntersDirector
- 2021Wish DragonHot Towel Waiter / Nomani Retailer (voice)
- 2012Rise of the GuardiansArt Department Manager
- 2011Puss in BootsVisual Development
- 2009The Princess and the FrogVisual Development
- 2009Fantastic Mr. FoxArt Department Manager
- 2009CoralineArt Department Manager
- 2008City of EmberConceptual Design
- 2006Monster HouseConceptual Design
- 1953The OscarsSelf
- —Untitled KPop Demon Hunters SequelWriter
- —Wish Dragon 2Writer
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