---
name: "Mike Mitchell"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/mike-mitchell"
fi1m_id: "mike-mitchell"
imdb_id: "nm0593610"
tmdb_id: 64151
wikidata_id: "Q2507259"
roles: ["Director","Producer"]
born: "18 October 1970"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 53
average_as: "director"
average_over: 4
updated: "2026-10-05T13:57:00.702065+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Mike Mitchell

## Identity

Mike Mitchell

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/mike-mitchell
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** mike-mitchell
- **IMDb ID:** nm0593610
- **TMDB ID:** 64151
- **Wikidata ID:** Q2507259
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mitchell_(director), https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2507259, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593610/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/64151

Director and producer. Born 18 October 1970 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Director, Producer
- **Born:** 18 October 1970, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- **Active:** 1999–present
- **Also known as:** Майк Мітчелл, 迈克·米歇尔
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 6 acting, 4 directing, 1 crew
- **Frequently works with:** [Glenn Berger](https://film.one/person/glenn-berger.md), [Jonathan Aibel](https://film.one/person/jonathan-aibel.md), [Antonio Banderas](https://film.one/person/antonio-banderas.md), [Darren Lemke](https://film.one/person/darren-lemke.md), [Gina Shay](https://film.one/person/gina-shay.md), [Walt Dohrn](https://film.one/person/walt-dohrn.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 53, as director, over 4 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 70 (2), 2010s 61 (7), 2020s 56 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 53 to 52 across 4 titles
- **Score spread:** 0 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Genres:** Animation 4, Comedy 4, Family 4, Adventure 3, Fantasy 3, Action 2
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,843m across 4 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mitchell_(director), https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2507259, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593610/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/64151

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Puss in Boots*](https://film.one/film/puss-in-boots.md) (66)
- **Peacock:** [*Shrek Forever After*](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md) (60)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Kung Fu Panda 4*](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4.md) (54)
- **Disney+:** [*Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked*](https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked.md) (35)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Mike Mitchell

> Mike Mitchell is the director studios ring when a sequel needs finishing, and he finishes it: brisk, bright, on time and on tone. What he has not yet done is make one of them his own.

Somewhere in a Mike Mitchell film a villain changes shape. In *The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part* (2019) it is a queen who walks off with the film; in *Kung Fu Panda 4* (2024) it is Viola Davis's sorceress, the one new thing in a picture that otherwise hands us what we had before. It is a fair emblem for the man behind the camera. Mitchell's job, for most of two decades, has been to take a world somebody else built and make it move again without anyone noticing the join.

He did not start there. After shorts and television, including *SpongeBob SquarePants*, he made his feature debut with *Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo* (1999), then the live-action family comedies *Surviving Christmas* (2004) and *Sky High* (2005), the latter the better received. In 2006 he joined DreamWorks Animation as a story artist on *Shrek the Third* and *Kung Fu Panda*, and by 2010 he was directing *Shrek Forever After*, a troubled sequel he turned round. *Trolls* (2016) built a musical franchise out of not very much. Then came the two films we have reviewed, both other people's franchises, one a job he inherited from another director.

What he is good at is plain in both. The films are fast, clean and of a piece with what came before; a child who loved the earlier entries will not feel cheated. *The Lego Movie 2* is denser and better sung than the first, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's script gives it a good idea to start from: the game on the basement table is now shared with a younger sister, and the two children do not agree on the rules. The last quarter of an hour moved us, and it moved us because the film finally stopped joking and looked at those two children. Before that are 107 minutes of jokes, most of them good and nearly all of them familiar.

That is the trouble. *Kung Fu Panda 4* is quick, bright and cheerful, and we knew within half an hour that there was nothing underneath it; the feeling the earlier films kept under the slapstick has gone, and Mitchell has not put anything in its place. He told an interviewer, "If you’re doing a part two, it’s got to be twice as good, right? You can’t repeat gags." We admire the principle. Neither film we have seen lives up to it, and both are at their best when Lord and Miller, or Davis, hand him something new.

He is a safe pair of hands, and there is nothing wrong with that. The animators at DreamWorks plainly trust him, and the films arrive finished and on tone, which is rarer than it sounds. What we have not yet seen is a Mitchell film a viewer could name without the credits. The next one, on current form, will be a sequel someone else began. We would like it to be something he started himself.

## Biography

Mike Mitchell is an American film director, writer, producer, actor and animator. Born on 18 October 1970 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he studied at the California Institute of the Arts and began his career as a storyboard artist, working with filmmakers including Tim Burton and Spike Jonze.

He made his feature directorial debut with the comedy *Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo* (1999). His subsequent credits include *Sky High* (2005), *Shrek Forever After* (2010), *Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* (2011), *The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water* (2015), *Trolls* (2016), *The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part* (2019) and *Kung Fu Panda 4* (2024).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, themoviedb.org, animationmagazine.net.*

## On Fi1m (11)

### Performed in (6)

- *Lilo & Stitch* (2025), Fi1m 58, as Hammerhead Guard (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch-2025.md)
- *Kung Fu Panda 3* (2016), Fi1m 73, as Male Palace Goose / Smart Panda Villager (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-3.md)
- *Penguins of Madagascar* (2014), Fi1m 58, as Antarctic Penguin (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/penguins-of-madagascar.md)
- *Puss in Boots* (2011), Fi1m 66, as Andy Beanstalk (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/puss-in-boots.md)
- *Megamind* (2010), Fi1m 72, as Father in Crowd (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/megamind.md)
- *Monsters vs Aliens* (2009), Fi1m 63, as Advisor Wedgie (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/monsters-vs-aliens.md)

### Directed (4) — the average rests on these

- *Kung Fu Panda 4* (2024), Fi1m 54, as Tavern Patron #3 / Citizen #4 (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4.md)
- *The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part* (2019), Fi1m 63, as Guard / Octopus / Harmony Town Citizen / Announcer / Sherry / Apocalypseburg Warrior (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie-2-the-second-part.md)
- *Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* (2011), Fi1m 35, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked.md)
- *Shrek Forever After* (2010), Fi1m 60, as Tour Guide / Camp Ogre / Ogre Naysayer / Baba Witch / Melty Witch / Witch Guard #2 / Butter Pants (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md)

### Crew (1)

- *Kung Fu Panda* (2008), Fi1m 77, Creative Consultant — [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda.md)

## Complete filmography (44)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie* (2025), Thanks
- *Lilo & Stitch* (2025), as Hammerhead Guard (voice) — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/lilo-and-stitch-2025.md)
- *Kung Fu Panda 4* (2024), as Tavern Patron #3 / Citizen #4 (voice) · Executive Producer, Director — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4.md)
- *Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken* (2023), Executive Producer
- *Digman!* (2023), series, as Crank Turner #722 (voice)
- *Alert: Missing Persons Unit* (2023), series, as Rough Man #3 (as Mike ‘Mitch’ Mitchell)
- *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* (2022), Thanks
- *The Barbarian and the Troll* (2021), series, Director
- *Trolls World Tour* (2020), Thanks
- *The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part* (2019), as Guard / Octopus / Harmony Town Citizen / Announcer / Sherry / Apocalypseburg Warrior (voice) · Director — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie-2-the-second-part.md)
- *Trolls Holiday* (2017), as Chad (voice) · Executive Producer
- *Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie* (2017), Thanks
- *The Boss Baby* (2017), Thanks — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/the-boss-baby.md)
- *Trolls* (2016), as Darius / Vinny the Phone / Capt. Starfunkle / Spider / Wedgie Bergen #1 / Chad / Card (voice) · Director
- *Kung Fu Panda 3* (2016), as Male Palace Goose / Smart Panda Villager (voice) · Executive Producer — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-3.md)
- *Home* (2015), Thanks
- *The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water* (2015), Director
- *Penguins of Madagascar* (2014), as Antarctic Penguin (voice) — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/penguins-of-madagascar.md)
- *Monsters vs Aliens Stories* (2013), Actor
- *Mind Over Monster* (2012), as Serial Killer
- *Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* (2011), Director — Fi1m 35, [page](https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked.md)
- *Puss in Boots* (2011), as Andy Beanstalk (voice) — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/puss-in-boots.md)
- *Megamind* (2010), as Father in Crowd (voice) · Thanks — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/megamind.md)
- *Shrek Forever After* (2010), as Tour Guide / Camp Ogre / Ogre Naysayer / Baba Witch / Melty Witch / Witch Guard #2 / Butter Pants (voice) · Director — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md)
- *The League* (2009), series, as Police Officer
- *B.O.B.'s Big Break* (2009), as Invisible Man (voice)
- *Monsters vs Aliens* (2009), as Advisor Wedgie (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/monsters-vs-aliens.md)
- *Kung Fu Panda* (2008), Creative Consultant — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda.md)
- *Spongebob Squarepants: Friend or Foe?* (2007), Writer
- *The Loop* (2006), series, Director
- *Sky High* (2005), Director
- *Surviving Christmas* (2004), Director
- *Greg the Bunny* (2002), series, Director
- *Monkeybone* (2001), as Miss Hudiapp (voice)
- *Camouflage* (2001), as Skateboard Guy
- *Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo* (1999), Director
- *American Detective* (1999), as Urban Guy #1
- *SpongeBob SquarePants* (1999), series, Writer, Director
- *Herd* (1999), as Mailman · Director, Writer, Producer
- *Nightmare Ned* (1997), series, Storyboard Artist, Writer
- *James and the Giant Peach* (1996), Storyboard Artist
- *2 Stupid Dogs* (1993), series, Storyboard Artist
- *Frannie's Christmas* (1993), Director, Writer
- *I.F.*, Director

## Gallery

- ![Mike Mitchell](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-cdcadc27adf9.jpg) Mike Mitchell — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Mike_Mitchell_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Mike_Mitchell_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Anna Kendrick speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribut](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-f37e9dc74e4c.jpg) Anna Kendrick speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribut — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Anna_Kendrick_%2827868554814%29.jpg/1280px-Anna_Kendrick_%2827868554814%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn, Gina Shay, Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-e3c59701f527.jpg) Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn, Gina Shay, Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Mike_Mitchell%2C_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Gina_Shay%2C_Anna_Kendrick_%26_Justin_Timberlake_%2828452827036%29.jpg/1280px-Mike_Mitchell%2C_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Gina_Shay%2C_Anna_Kendrick_%26_Justin_Timberlake_%2828452827036%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn, Gina Shay, Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-887c346f4588.jpg) Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn, Gina Shay, Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Mike_Mitchell%2C_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Gina_Shay%2C_Anna_Kendrick_%26_Justin_Timberlake_%2828452829626%29.jpg/1280px-Mike_Mitchell%2C_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Gina_Shay%2C_Anna_Kendrick_%26_Justin_Timberlake_%2828452829626%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Mike Mitchell](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-50b697a09611.jpg) Mike Mitchell — Image via TMDB
- ![Mike Mitchell](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-a6ce19120339.jpg) Mike Mitchell — Image via TMDB
- ![Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-df8f13503c5f.jpg) Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Mike_Mitchell_%26_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Trolls%2C_2016_San_Diego_Comic-Con_International.jpg/1280px-Mike_Mitchell_%26_Walt_Dohrn%2C_Trolls%2C_2016_San_Diego_Comic-Con_International.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. ](https://film.one/media/person/11847/gallery-efd1aed8ca3c.jpg) Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Trolls", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Mike_Mitchell_%26_Walt_Dohrn_%2828380032852%29.jpg/1280px-Mike_Mitchell_%26_Walt_Dohrn_%2828380032852%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/mike-mitchell