Chris Butler (filmmaker) explained

Chris Butler (born 12 February 1974)^[1] is an English animator, writer and director, known for his works at Laika, such as ParaNorman and Missing Link, which were both nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.^[2]

He studied animation at the University for the Creative Arts in south England^[3] and is an alumnus of Hugh Baird College in Merseyside.^[1]

On 1 May 2024 it was confirmed that Butler will write the screenplay for the upcoming live action Masters of the Universe film which is due for release on 5 June 2026.^[4]

Filmography

Year	Title			Notes
2012	ParaNorman			Co-directed by Sam Fell
2016	Kubo and the Two Strings			Also head of story
2019	Missing Link
2025	Wildwood[5]
2026	Masters of the Universe

Character designer

• The Tigger Movie (2000) (Also sequence co-director)
• Missing Link (2019)

Storyboard artist

• (2002-2004) (10 episodes)
• Tarzan 2 (2005)
• Corpse Bride (2005)
• The Tale of Despereaux (2008) (Uncredited)
• Coraline (2009) (Storyboard supervisor)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Liverpool-born writer and director Chris Butler talks about his new film ParaNorman - Liverpool Echo . 10 September 2012 . 27 November 2016.
2. Web site: Oscars winners and nominees 2013: Complete list - LA Times . . 25 February 2013 . 27 November 2016.
3. Web site: UCA Graduate Nominated for Oscar - UK Broadcast News | 15/01/2013.
4. Web site: Mattel’s ‘Masters of the Universe’ Moves From Netflix to Amazon for Summer 2026 Release, Travis Knight to Direct. Variety. May 1, 2024. May 1, 2024.
5. Web site: Laika Finds Its Next Movie in Travis Knight-Helmed Adaptation of Colin Meloy Novel 'Wildwood'. 15 September 2021.