Michael Dougherty is an American filmmaker and screenwriter known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres. He gained recognition for directing films such as Trick 'r Treat and Krampus, both of which have developed cult followings. Dougherty is also known for his contributions to the X-Men franchise, having co-written the screenplay for X-Men 2. In addition to his film work, Dougherty has a background in animation and has worked on various projects in that field. His unique storytelling style often blends dark humor with traditional horror elements, making his films distinct in the genre.