Chris Appelhans
Directing
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.
Notable Works
Prominent titles featuring Chris Appelhans
Coraline
2009
Filmography
Acting (1)
2021
Wish Dragonas Hot Towel Waiter / Nomani Retailer (voice)
7.9
Production & Directing (16)
2025
KPop Demon HuntersDirector
8.0
2025
KPop Demon HuntersScreenplay
8.0
2021
Wish DragonDirector
7.9
2021
Wish DragonWriter
7.9
2012
Rise of the GuardiansArt Department Manager
7.4
2012
Rise of the GuardiansAdditional Writing
7.4
2012
Rise of the GuardiansCharacter Designer
7.4
2011
Puss in BootsVisual Development
6.6
2009
The Princess and the FrogVisual Development
7.2
2009
Fantastic Mr. FoxArt Department Manager
7.8
2009
CoralineArt Department Manager
7.9
2008
City of EmberConceptual Design
6.4
2006
Monster HouseConceptual Design
6.7
—
—
Wish Dragon 2Writer