Chris Appelhans — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Won the Children's Choice Book Award in 2015.
Writer and director of the 2021 film Wish Dragon.
Co-director of the 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters.
Illustrator of children's books A Greyhound, a Groundhog and Sparky!.

Biography

Chris Appelhans is an American film director and illustrator, originally from Idaho. He is recognized for his work in animation and children's literature.

Appelhans wrote and directed the 2021 film Wish Dragon. He is also set to co-direct the 2025 film KPop Demon Hunters alongside Maggie Kang. Beyond film, Appelhans is known for illustrating two children's books, A Greyhound, a Groundhog and Sparky!, for which he received the Children's Choice Book Award in 2015.