Daniel Chong: The Visionary Animator Behind We Bare Bears and Pixar’s Hoppers

In the ever-evolving landscape of animation, few creators have managed to leave as distinctive a mark as Daniel Chong. From his early days as a storyboard artist at Disney and Pixar to creating the beloved Cartoon Network series We Bare Bears, Chong has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. His journey from a webcomic creator to directing a major Pixar feature film represents one of the most compelling success stories in modern animation. With the release of Hoppers in 2026, Chong has cemented his status as one of the industry’s most innovative storytellers, bringing his signature blend of heartfelt humor and keen observation of human—and animal—nature to the big screen. This article explores the remarkable career of Daniel Chong, his creative influences, and how his Singaporean heritage shaped the storyteller he has become.

From Webcomic to Cultural Phenomenon: The We Bare Bears Story

Daniel Chong’s rise to prominence began with a simple yet brilliant idea that would eventually become a cultural touchstone for a generation of animation fans. The story of We Bare Bears started as a webcomic in 2010 called The Three Bare Bears, which Chong created and shared online for nearly a year before the concept evolved into something much larger . The series, which premiered on Cartoon Network in 2015, followed the adventures of three bear brothers—Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear—as they navigated human society in the San Francisco Bay Area. What made the show so special was its ability to tackle complex themes of belonging, identity, and modern life through the lens of three adorable yet deeply relatable characters . Chong drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of sources, including Seinfeld, Broad City, Peanuts, Aardman Animations, and Wes Anderson films, creating a tone that was both sophisticated and accessible . The show ran for four seasons and 140 episodes, earning critical acclaim including a BAFTA Children’s Award for Best International and an Annie Award, cementing its place in animation history .

A Journey Through Animation’s Greatest Studios

Before becoming a showrunner, Chong paid his dues across the animation industry’s most prestigious studios. His career began as an intern at Cartoon Network Studios before he moved on to work as a storyboard artist for Walt Disney Animation Studios, Illumination Entertainment, and Pixar Animation Studios . His early film credits read like a who’s who of modern animation: Bolt (2008), Cars 2 (2011), Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012), Free Birds (2013), and Inside Out (2015) . At Pixar, Chong worked on the television specials Toy Story of Terror! (2013) and Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014), with the former earning him an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production . This diverse experience across multiple studios and styles gave Chong a comprehensive understanding of animation that would later inform his own creative projects. His ability to adapt to different studio cultures while maintaining his distinctive voice became a hallmark of his career, allowing him to work on everything from character-driven comedies to visually spectacular adventures.

The Singaporean Connection: Family Values and Storytelling

Chong’s personal background adds another layer of depth to his creative work. Born in North Dakota to Singaporean immigrant parents and raised in Southern California, Chong grew up with what he describes as the “pond rules” taught to him by his Singaporean family . His father, an engineer who later became a professor of business management, and his mother, a stay-at-home parent who later worked as a nurse, were strict with their son—a common approach among first-generation Asian immigrants in the United States. They emphasized education and discipline, making sure Chong focused on his studies and piano practice before pursuing drawing and other creative outlets . While his parents didn’t initially understand his dream of becoming an artist, they supported him as long as he met his responsibilities first. This upbringing instilled in Chong a strong work ethic and a unique perspective on storytelling that blends Western animation sensibilities with the values of his Asian heritage. He has even incorporated these influences into his work, including a shout-out to Singapore’s Merlion in a We Bare Bears episode after visiting the country for press events .

Hoppers: Directing Pixar’s Next Adventure

In 2026, Chong reached a new career milestone with the release of Hoppers, his feature film directorial debut for Pixar Animation Studios . The film follows a young scientist who uses groundbreaking technology to transfer her mind into a robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate with real animals and discover the “pond rules” that govern their world . Featuring the voices of Piper Curda and Jon Hamm, the movie explores humanity’s relationship with animals and what creatures might think of us . Chong had been developing the project since late 2020, working alongside Pixar’s senior creative team on films like Turning Red, Lightyear, Elemental, and Inside Out 2 while preparing for his directorial debut . The film reportedly underwent significant changes during development, a common process for Pixar productions, but Chong has expressed satisfaction with the final result, noting that the studio and Disney were aligned with his vision . Hoppers represents the culmination of Chong’s years of experience and his lifelong love of animals, which began when he would copy pictures from an animal encyclopedia as a child .

The Creative Process: Balancing Humor and Heart

Throughout his career, Daniel Chong has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance comedic elements with genuine emotional depth. His work often explores themes of family, identity, and the search for belonging—whether through the lens of three bear brothers trying to fit into human society or a young scientist discovering her connection to the natural world. Chong’s creative process involves drawing from his own experiences and observations. The “pond rules” concept that features prominently in Hoppers came directly from his childhood and the lessons imparted by his Singaporean parents about the importance of hard work and discipline before pursuing personal passions . At the same time, he understands the importance of maintaining a sense of whimsy and humor, citing influences like Wes Anderson for their ability to create visually striking worlds that feel simultaneously larger than life and deeply personal. This balance is particularly evident in We Bare Bears, which remains beloved for its ability to tackle serious subjects through the innocent perspective of its animal protagonists.

Awards and Recognition: A Career of Excellence

Daniel Chong‘s contributions to animation have been widely recognized by his peers and the entertainment industry. His work on Toy Story of Terror! earned him an Annie Award in 2014 for Outstanding Achievement in Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production . We Bare Bears received a BAFTA Children’s Award for Best International in 2016 and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program in 2018 . These accolades reflect not only Chong’s technical skill as a storyboard artist and director but also his ability to create stories that resonate with audiences globally. Beyond the awards, the cultural impact of his work—particularly We Bare Bears—has been substantial, with the show developing a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow through streaming and syndication. The series even spawned a spinoff, We Baby Bears, which premiered in 2022 with Chong serving as executive producer . As Chong continues to take on new challenges, including his role as a member of Pixar’s senior creative team on future projects like Toy Story 5 and Incredibles 3, his influence on the animation industry is likely to grow even further .

Conclusion

Daniel Chong‘s journey from a passionate young artist inspired by animal encyclopedias to the creator of one of Cartoon Network’s most beloved series and a director at Pixar Animation Studios is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to one’s vision. His unique background—raised by Singaporean immigrant parents in the United States—has given him a distinctive perspective that enriches his storytelling and allows him to create work that appeals to audiences across cultures. Whether through the charming adventures of the We Bare Bears or the innovative science-fiction premise of Hoppers, Chong continues to explore the complexities of relationships, identity, and the natural world in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. As he takes on new projects and continues to shape the future of animation, Daniel Chong remains a vital voice in the industry—one whose work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Daniel Chong?

Daniel Chong is an American animator, storyboard artist, writer, director, and producer best known as the creator of Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears (2015–2019) and the director of the Pixar film Hoppers (2026). He has worked for major animation studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Illumination Entertainment, and Pixar Animation Studios.

What is Daniel Chong’s most famous work?

Daniel Chong is best known for creating the animated series We Bare Bears, which ran for four seasons on Cartoon Network and spawned a movie and a spinoff series. He also directed Hoppers, a 2026 Pixar feature film.

What awards has Daniel Chong won?

Chong won an Annie Award in 2014 for his work on Toy Story of Terror! and received a BAFTA Children’s Award for We Bare Bears in 2016. The series was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018.

What is Daniel Chong’s connection to Singapore?

Chong’s parents immigrated to the United States from Singapore, and he has spoken about how the values they taught him—including the importance of discipline and hard work before pursuing creative passions—shaped his approach to life and storytelling. He has incorporated this heritage into his work, including a Singapore reference in a We Bare Bears episode.

What is Hoppers about?

Hoppers is a Pixar adventure comedy directed by Daniel Chong that follows a young scientist who uses technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate with real animals and learn their “pond rules”—the unwritten laws that govern their world and their relationship with humans. The film features the voices of Piper Curda and Jon Hamm.