Walt Dohrn

1.1. Birth and Background

Walter Dohrn was born on December 5, 1970, in the United States.

1.2. Early Professional Work

Dohrn began his professional career in the animation industry, notably contributing to the highly successful animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. During his time on the show, he served as a writer, director, and storyboard director for Season 2. His contributions to the series also extended to two episodes in Season 3, further establishing his foundational experience in animated television production.

2.1. Feature Films

Dohrn's feature film directorial debut was with the 2016 animated musical film Trolls, which he co-directed with Mike Mitchell. Following the success of the first film, Dohrn took on the sole directing role for its sequels, Trolls World Tour (2020) and Trolls Band Together (2023), guiding the creative vision for the continuing franchise. Looking ahead, Dohrn is confirmed to direct Shrek 5, an upcoming installment in the popular Shrek film series, which is currently scheduled for release in 2026.

2.2. Television and Short Films

In addition to his work on major feature films, Dohrn's directorial experience extends to short films and television productions. He directed the short film Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular, released in 2010. His early television directing credits include his role as a director for SpongeBob SquarePants during its second and third seasons, where he helped shape the comedic and visual style of the series.

3.1. Film and Television

In his film career, Dohrn served as a story artist and writer, contributing additional dialogue for Shrek 2 (2004). He also worked as an additional story artist for Shark Tale (2004), Madagascar (2005), and Rise of the Guardians (2012), providing creative input on their narratives. For Shrek the Third (2007), he was a story artist and writer, contributing additional screenplay material. He held the significant position of Head of Story for both Shrek Forever After (2010) and Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014), overseeing the development of their story arcs. Furthermore, he wrote the short film Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular (2010).

In television, Dohrn's writing and storyboarding roles include his comprehensive work as a writer, director, and storyboard director for SpongeBob SquarePants from 2000 to 2002. He was also a story artist, writer, and storyboard artist for Dexter's Laboratory (2001-2003), and a writer and storyboard artist for Whatever Happened to... Robot Jones? (2002). More recently, he served as a storyboard supervisor for King Star King (2014) and JJ Villard's Fairy Tales (2020), guiding the visual storytelling for these animated series.

4.1. Notable Roles

Dohrn is widely recognized for voicing Rumpelstiltskin, the primary antagonist in Shrek Forever After (2010). He reprised this role in the video game adaptation of the film, Shrek Forever After, and in the short films Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular and Thriller Night. He also voiced multiple characters in Shrek the Third (2007), including Van Student, Xavier, Principal Pynchley, Nanny Dwarf, Evil Knight, and Singing Villain.

Within the Trolls franchise, where he also serves as a director, Dohrn voices several key characters. In the original Trolls film (2016), he provided the voices for Smidge, Fuzzbert, Cloud Guy, Mr. Dinkles, Tunnel Troll, and Wedgie Bergen #2. He continued these roles in Trolls World Tour (2020), additionally voicing King Peppy, Metal Mr. Dinkles, Announcer, Country Troll Baby, and Country Troll Farmer. For Trolls Band Together (2023), his voice contributions included Cloud Guy, King Peppy, and Interdimensional Hustle Traveler.

Other notable voice roles include Antarctic Penguin in Penguins of Madagascar (2014), Photographer in The Boss Baby (2017), Time Out Kid in The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021), and Scientist in The Bad Guys (2022). He also voiced Link Kid in the TV special Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space (2009) and Water Prisoner in the short film Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos (2012). For the Trolls television series, he voiced Cloud Guy and Fuzzbert in Trolls: The Beat Goes On! (2018) and Cloud Guy in Trolls: TrollsTopia (2020).

5.1. Film

5.2. Television

5.3. Video Games

6.1. DreamWorks Animation Deal

In 2020, Walter Dohrn signed an overall deal with DreamWorks Animation, a prominent American animation studio. This agreement signifies a long-term collaboration, securing his role in the development and production of future animated projects for the studio.