Chris Sanders

Born:March 12, 1962

Place of Birth:Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Known For:Directing

Biography

Chris Sanders, born on March 15, 1960, is a prominent figure in the world of animation and voice acting. Known for his creative talents, Sanders has left a lasting impact on the industry with his work on beloved animated films. His most notable contributions include co-directing and co-writing the Disney classic, "Lilo & Stitch," where he also lent his voice to the mischievous Experiment 626. Sanders' ability to bring characters to life through both his direction and vocal performances has earned him a dedicated fan base.

Following his time at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Sanders transitioned to DreamWorks Animation, where he continued to showcase his exceptional skills. One of his standout achievements was directing the critically acclaimed film "How to Train Your Dragon," which captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling. Sanders' unique vision and storytelling prowess shone through in this animated masterpiece, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented filmmaker.

Currently, Sanders is making waves in the industry as the co-director of the highly anticipated film, "The Croods." His involvement in this project has generated excitement among fans and critics alike, eager to see how Sanders will once again bring his magic to the big screen. With his track record of delivering memorable and engaging animated films, Sanders continues to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of modern animation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sanders is admired for his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. His characters resonate with viewers of all ages, thanks to his knack for infusing them with humor, heart, and authenticity. Sanders' commitment to storytelling that is both entertaining and meaningful sets him apart as a visionary in the world of animation.

Sanders' contributions to the animation industry have not gone unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved place among the most respected and influential figures in the field. His work has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless fans and aspiring animators around the world. Sanders' creative spirit and boundless imagination continue to fuel his passion for storytelling, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.

As a multifaceted talent, Sanders has proven himself to be a versatile artist capable of wearing many hats in the filmmaking process. Whether he is crafting intricate storylines, directing complex scenes, or breathing life into characters through his voice acting, Sanders approaches each task with creativity and precision. His ability to seamlessly blend humor, drama, and adventure in his work showcases his storytelling prowess and artistic vision.

Sanders' journey from Disney to DreamWorks has been marked by a string of successes and accolades, underscoring his reputation as a powerhouse in the animation world. His collaborations with top-tier studios and industry professionals have yielded groundbreaking projects that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Sanders' contributions to the medium have elevated the art of animation and set new standards for storytelling in the digital age.

With his upcoming projects on the horizon, including "The Croods," Sanders shows no signs of slowing down in his pursuit of creating captivating and memorable cinematic experiences. His passion for pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling remains unwavering, ensuring that audiences can look forward to more innovative and engaging films from this visionary filmmaker. Chris Sanders' impact on the animation industry is undeniable, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Lilo & Stitch

Stitch (voice)

2002

As Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet, wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischievous adopted alien "puppy" of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and ʻohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family.

Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch

Stitch (voice)

2005

Now, we find the rowdy extraterrestrial getting used to life with his new ʻohana. However, a malfunction in the ultimate creation of Dr. Jumba soon emerges, which reinstates his destructive programming and threatens to both ruin his friendship with Lilo and to short him out for good!

Tarzan

Additional Voices (voice)

1999

Tarzan was a small orphan who was raised by an ape named Kala since he was a child. He believed that this was his family, but on an expedition Jane Porter is rescued by Tarzan. He then finds out that he's human. Now Tarzan must make the decision as to which family he should belong to...

The Croods

Belt (voice)

2013

The prehistoric Croods family live in a particularly dangerous moment in time. Patriarch Grug, his mate Ugga, teenage daughter Eep, son Thunk, and feisty Gran gather food by day and huddle together in a cave at night. When a more evolved caveman named Guy arrives on the scene, Grug is distrustful, but it soon becomes apparent that Guy is correct about the impending destruction of their world.

The Croods: A New Age

Belt (voice)

2020

Searching for a safer habitat, the prehistoric Crood family discovers an idyllic, walled-in paradise that meets all of its needs. Unfortunately, they must also learn to live with the Bettermans -- a family that's a couple of steps above the Croods on the evolutionary ladder. As tensions between the new neighbors start to rise, a new threat soon propels both clans on an epic adventure that forces them to embrace their differences, draw strength from one another, and survive together.

Leroy & Stitch

Stitch / Leroy (voice)

2006

Lilo, Stitch, Jumba, and Pleakley have finally caught all of Jumba's genetic experiments and found the one true place where each of them belongs. Stitch, Jumba and Pleakley are offered positions in the Galactic Alliance, turning them down so they can stay on Earth with Lilo, but Lilo realizes her alien friends have places where they belong – and it's finally time to say "aloha".

Penguins of Madagascar

Antarctic Penguin (voice)

2014

Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it.

Stitch! The Movie

Stitch (voice)

2003

The continuing adventures of Lilo, a little Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, the galaxy's most-wanted extraterrestrial. Stitch, Pleakley, and Dr. Jumba are all part of the household now, but what Lilo and Stitch don't know is that Dr. Jumba brought his other alien "experiments" to Hawaiʻi as well.

The Lion King 1½

Additional Voices (voice)

2004

Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog are best pals and the unsung heroes of the African savanna. This prequel to the smash Disney animated adventure takes you back -- way back -- before Simba's adventure began. You'll find out all about Timon and Pumbaa and tag along as they search for the perfect home and attempt to raise a rambunctious lion cub.

Once Upon a Studio

Stitch (voice) (archive footage)

2023

Created for Disney's 100th anniversary, the short features Mickey Mouse corralling a gallery of legendary Disney characters for a group photo.

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Self (archive footage)

2009

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn't care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits - "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast ," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more - over a 10-year period.

Production

The Wild Robot

Screenplay

2024

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Lilo & Stitch

Writer

2002

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Thanks

2022

Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: He has burned through eight of his nine lives, leaving him with only one life left. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.

Toy Story

Character Designer

1995

Led by Woody, Andy's toys live happily in his room until Andy's birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy's heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, the duo eventually learns to put aside their differences.

How to Train Your Dragon

Screenplay

2010

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.

The Lion King

Story

1994

Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.

Mulan

Screenplay

1998

To save her father from certain death in the army, a young woman secretly enlists in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Executive Producer

2014

Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider. Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior.

The Croods

Story

2013

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Executive Producer

2019

As Hiccup fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.

The Croods: A New Age

Story

2020

Aladdin

Story

1992

In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.

Beauty and the Beast

Visual Development

1991

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within.

Leroy & Stitch

Original Film Writer

2006

The Call of the Wild

Director

2020

Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team—and later its leader—Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.

The Boss Baby

Thanks

2017

A story about how a new baby's arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7 year old named Tim.