Chris Sanders Biography

A native of Colorado, Chris Sanders developed an interest in drawing after watching the Disney animated film The Three Caballeros, when he was 10-years-old. "It is still the most unfettered, worrisome-free, joyous piece of animation that's ever been done." Years later, his grandmother recommend he attend CalArts to further his interest in animation. He agreed, and after graduation, he worked for Marvel Productions for four years designing characters for the popular television series, Muppet Babies.

In 1987, he was hired by Walt Disney Feature Animation studio where he worked on a number of projects, including The Rescuers Down Under (1990), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Fantasia 2000 (1999). He also worked as a production designer on The Lion King (1994). Ten years after starting at Disney, he made a shift in his career and co-wrote the film Mulan (1998). His work on the film earned him two Annie Awards in the storyboarding and screenwriting categories.

Following Mulan's success, he came up with the original idea for the feature, Lilo & Stitch (2002). Expanding his talents yet again, he not only wrote, but co-directed and voiced the character of Stitch - both firsts for Sanders.

These new experiences proved so positive that Sanders repeated them with two dynamic works highly appreciated by audiences and critics: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)—featuring the voice of Canadian Jay Baruchelm, followed by The Croods (2013).

Several TV and video projects kept him away from the big screen in the years that followed. Sanders put an end to this absence by pushing his limits once again, directing his first live action film titled The Call of the Wild (2020). The dramatic family adventure stars Harrison Ford and tells the story of a dog engaged in a struggle to survive in the Alaskan cold.

Filmography (director):

The Croods (2012)
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Filmography (actor):

Lilo & Stitch (2002) (voice)