ADVERTISEMENT

Ever wondered what cartoon characters in real life would look like? Yes, they’re fictional sketches, which means we’ll never know their human looks in our world. But what if cartoon characters were real? 

The subject of cartoon characters IRL is fascinating, so Bored Panda’s pro member Hidreley delved into experimenting with AI-generated cartoon characters. That’s what digital art is about—blurring the lines between fantasy and reality on screen!

Surprisingly, some cartoon characters as humans look even better than the originals. See if your favorite cartoon characters are on this list, and scroll further to witness 23 pictures of real-life cartoon characters!

Note: The original article was written by Hidrėlėy and later edited and updated by the Bored Panda team. 

More info: Instagram

Hidreley did all the work on AI-generated cartoon characters by himself: “I’ve done some similar posts by other authors here on Bored Panda. I wanted to try something out myself, and so I dove into the world of AI. This time, I challenged myself to try to do one on the theme of cartoon characters. For this project, I used Photoshop and three mobile applications, FaceApp, Gradient, and Remini.

RELATED:
    #2

    Eric

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Eric character from the cartoon

    Report

    #3

    Carl Fredricksen

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Carl Fredricksen character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The nose reminds me of Robin Williams’

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The Simpsons were the most challenging when making realistic cartoon characters. “In terms of how they all turned out, I’m more and more pleased with the results with each post I make. I really liked how Moe Szyzlak, Ned Flanders, and Milhouse Van Houten turned out because initially, I thought that the Simpsons drawing style would be very hard to emulate on ‘real life’ terms. Still, they are actually very easy to recognize,” Hidreley explains. 

    #4

    Moana

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Moana character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I am Moana of Moto’nui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te’fiti.”

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    “This post inadvertently brought back some good memories from my childhood. Like every kid in my generation, I loved watching cartoons. I really loved the Simpsons and Hanna Barbera classics, and I can safely say that they’ve made a huge impact on my life,” adds Hidreley. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Tinkerbell

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Tinkerbell character from the cartoon

    Report

    #7

    Pocahontas

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Pocahontas character from the cartoon

    Report

    “I’ve been exploring the world of artificial intelligence recently, and I can tell you, it’s a world without limits! With the rise of AI-assisted art generation, there are virtually (no pun intended) no boundaries for digital art; you just have to be creative and know how to guide the blind hand of the machine,” explains Hidreley. 

    #8

    Jasmine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Jasmine character from the cartoon

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Ned Flanders

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Ned Flanders character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His glasses kinda look drawn onto his face if you look closely

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    At some point, we’ve all wondered if cartoon characters were real. Were they inspired by celebrities or real-life events? Hidreley explains that he’s also intrigued by this concept: 

    “I don't want to tease anything too early, but currently, I’m working hard on a project where I’m trying to show what some prematurely deceased celebrities would have looked like if they were still alive. I hope it will turn out great, and I’ll be able to share this with you soon!”

    #10

    Milhouse

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Milhouse character from the cartoon

    Report

    Kristina Meyer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a guy I went to elementary School with (except the haircolor). His Name was Sten.

    View more comments
    #11

    Rapunzel

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Rapunzel character from the cartoon

    Report

    Robin Woordes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so perfect that the right eyebrow frustrates me too much

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    Aladdin

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Aladdin character from the cartoon

    Report

    #13

    Anna

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Anna character from the cartoon

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #14

    Peter Pan

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Peter Pan character from the cartoon

    Report

    #15

    Olive Oyl

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Olive Oyl character from the cartoon

    Report

    Julieandthephatones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what is this app slash website?? does anyone know?!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #16

    Lady Tremaine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Lady Tremaine character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wrong hair. Her butt hair has always been very important to me

    View more comments
    #17

    Handsome Hans

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Handsome Hans character from the cartoon

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #18

    Kristoff

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Kristoff character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He kinda looks like some kind of 2000’s Disney Channel character from a show that takes place in a summer camp

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #19

    Elsa

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Elsa character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ummmm excuse me sir where is her braid ??

    View more comments
    #20

    Isabela Madrigal

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Isabela Madrigal character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MADRIGAL! THE HOME OF THE FAMILY MADEIGAL! WHERE ALL THE PEOPLE ARE fAnTaStIcAl AnD mAgIcAl!

    View more comments
    #21

    John Smith

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of John Smith character from the cartoon

    Report

    Rachel Walsh
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he would say "bruh" a lot

    Priest
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "look at this photograph"

    Mona Mamoun
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's wrong with his ears though !

    Tara Markey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Handsome... But doesn't quite fit John Smith

    GFSTaylor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Face is too narrow and the jawline is wrong.

    ioala
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like Samantha's boyfriend from Sex and the city.

    Sasha Grace
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smith? Isn't that what she renamed him? Smith as John Smith... heeheehee

    Load More Replies...
    David Knight
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Travolta face with Tom cruise eyes and Nickelback hair

    Gypsy Lee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Run Pocahontas! Run like all the colors of the wind!

    Jack Spjerdow
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Chris Hemsworth and Owen Wilson had a son

    Scourge McCloud
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whoa, handsome, but I have mixed feelings about this one.

    Madonna Borromeo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice looking young man, the resemblance is there!

    idiot.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he looks like he would be a surfer dude

    jus jinx
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NOT John Smith but HOT nonetheless

    Eliana White
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surfer dude is I ever saw one lol

    Rhia Corvalis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven't seen this one, but I did mistake him (bottom left corner) for Captain Phoebus from Hunchback of Notre Dame for a sec. Now I've just got this image of Phoebus spamming surfer lingo while Frollo is losing his sh*t lol

    Cave Johnson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he looks like Count from Ace Combat 7

    spideroni
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a himbo-surfer type love interest in a beach themed Disney channel movie

    Kristina Cowan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also an elf, doesn't like to talk about it... Witcher...

    Load More Replies...
    Rachel L
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like John Travolta and Tom Cruise’s love- child 🤣

    Kari Cline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Less surfer boy slightly more mullet length hair

    XSpooky_Mint
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he's from some shitty reality TV show

    Robert Bailey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not too close https://www.biography.com/political-figure/john-smith

    introverted_dragon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm just imagining him singing "Look at this photograph-"

    Tim Krash
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look at this photograph... 🤣

    AliMa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kinda looks like Tom Cruise 😂

    Cora Matley
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    santa cruz surfer......that is being so steriotypical *falls in love anyways*

    Hypogryff4
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wOaH bRa ThAt'S sOmE gNarLy PoW, ePiC bRa

    Digitalfairy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's handsome - although he looks like a teen here.

    Isabel Ortiz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He definitely looks like a John Smith

    Victor Lee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a character from "Mam Vs. Bee"

    Anna Claes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I literally DETEST the real John Smith.

    IRefuseToBeHuman
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    John Smith is real, he is in history, he looks like a dwarf on drugas.

    Samantha Denice
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like nicklback and Paul walker had a baby lmfao

    Samantha Denice
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like nickleback and Ryan walker had a baby lmao

    Nada Robot
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wouldn’t he just look like the real John smith? Lmao

    Crunchy Chips and Queso Dip
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are alot of characters on TD island if you watch it you would understand

    Dimaz Sembodo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He seems like he'd shred the gnar

    CapitolQT
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ummm… isn’t this base pic literally “Smith” from Sex in the City?

    Juliette Deroulede
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer the real John Smith. As in the historical one.

    Nonya B
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s a 10 but he likes Nickleback…

    !nib@by
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like that one guy from the vine that hold up a picture frame with a graph on it: Look at this graph 😀

    Ellie X
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like the squeeze filter in photo booth was put right at his eyes

    Toni Eubank
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good lord. You guys and gals who finds anything wrong with this dude are either green with envy or you hate him because you know you could never have someone who looks like him. Too bad. I’m 71 years old and have seen and continue to see lots of gorgeous men in my life. I put all good looking men on a 1-10 scale. The 1s are “good looking” guys. 2s are “really good looking” guys. 3s are “he’s handsome“ 4s “He’s very handsome“. 7s are “wow”, 8s are “WOW”. 9s are “O MY GOD. Look at this guy”. 10s are ”Wwwwwwooowwww, my eyes, my eyes! A perfectly gorgeous man.”

    Beck Latta
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he looks like an absolute chad

    Bill Sabado
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "That Pocahontas chick is totally digging me dude."

    Katie Abernathy-Holm
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "bruh you wanna go " hurt" natives and then surf on their canoes?"

    L.a. Williams
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not not in London at that time nope

    Last Brane-Sell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey Everyone, look... his left eyebrow... and his jawline is solely based on one wrinkle

    Tahir Aman
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pocahontas is so false it hurts

    Laura Paalanen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They just gave Tom Cruze blue eyes and blonde hair, for this one.

    isabell gibson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey whats up dudes muh names Chad i love to surf

    Ray Hood
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a great idea, but I was really holding my breath for Shrek.

    sean prentice
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Captain John Smith, was also a real person ofcourse, and likely a good storyteller...equally members of the British aristocracy can claim decent from Pocahontas, Matoaka...the Lady Rebecca...and John Rolfe.

    Fakuade Tolulope
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Jaw smith to me😏🙃, nice 😊👍

    chimken 🇺🇦
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WHY DOES EVERYONE LOOK LIKE PEOPLE I KNOW 😭😭😭😭( this looks like my bf btw)

    Ojaz 01
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Look at this photograph"

    vxbes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    johns hair was always important…like lady tremaines

    Horse With No Name
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooh la la'; go John! Can I order one?

    Klaatu Verrata (Cough)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His hair says "Frat King", but his eyes say, "Duhhhhhh...."

    Ra TA
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “point break bitc#€$!”

    Al
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like a Chad lol

    Andie Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Kurt Cobain just built different

    Giuditta Jones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the fork happened to his ear?? 😆😆😆

    Charlotte Greenhaw
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or does he kinda look like Chris Hemsworth?

    Blue Boy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    John Smith was actually a person 😭

    Kristina H.N.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer Pocahontas. This one is a bruh surfer.

    Riza Amrou
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a cross between Ronaldo and Ben Affleck.

    Melissa J
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks more surfer than explorer.

    clive apps
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    John Schneider (Bo Duke days)

    TrixicBird(Any pronouns)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks transphobic. I can explain it, but he does.

    Daniel Tregant
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well thank you for finding the face of my future husband :D

    Phill
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or does he look like Heath Ledger in A Knights Tale?

    goth mouse (they them)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    his face looks lik its melting a lil

    Halo183
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why does he look like my P.E. teacher????????????????????

    Chloe
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like a footballer that would roll around on the floor every two seconds 😄

    Raven DeathShade
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember the real John Smith. He was a no-nonsense soldier who forced everyone to actually do work so they could eat.

    GoddessOdd
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I can't look at the cartoon... too busy looking at HIM

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    Show White

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Show White character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    …did you know she’s 14 in that movie?…

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    Bart Simpson

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Bart Simpson character from the cartoon

    Report

    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AI was having trouble with the eyes..

    View more comments