Chris Butler

Chris Butler (also credited as Christopher John Butler) is an English screen artist and writer born in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK. He is widely associated with Laika’s distinctive brand of stop-motion storytelling, where his work helped shape modern animated features with sharp character comedy and heartfelt adventure.

Butler trained in animation in South England at the University for the Creative Arts and also attended Hugh Baird College in Merseyside. That foundation in craft and design fed into a career that bridges animation and screenwriting, with projects that balance visual invention and accessible, family-friendly narratives.

Among his most recognized credits are ParaNorman and Missing Link, both Academy Award nominees for Best Animated Feature. He has also appeared on screen in The Animagic World of Rankin/Bass as himself, and is credited as Dave in 30 Nights.

In May 2024, it was confirmed that Butler would write the screenplay for the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film, slated for release on 5 June 2026—an assignment that underscores his growing profile beyond animation into major studio franchise storytelling.