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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.

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    #2

    Eric

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

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    #3

    Carl Fredricksen

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

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    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’

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    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

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    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.”

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

    My cousin looks more like Moana than this AI creation. I feel like this doesn't quite have enough Polynesian evident.

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

    I was thinking the same thing. The AI version looks more mixed with Asian than the actual Polynesian resemblance that I expected.

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

    I would not look at this person and think she looks like Moana. I've seen other people irl who look very much like Moana.

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

    Why does Moana look more of Asian?

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Because the Polynesian people she's inspired by were Asian?

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

    My second favorite all time Disney lead. First is Tiana.

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

    My FAVORITE!! LOVE some Moana! so cute

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

    Moana is supposed to be Polynesian and I am Polynesian (Samoan, Maori, and Hawaiian) and this model looks more Asian and has zero Polynesian features.

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

    This one certainly isn't accurate if Moana originated in the southern Pacific Islands. But I figure it might tie in more with attributes from people of Hawaiian descent?

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

    Full blooded Native Hawaiians actually resembled more toward their Tongan and Sāmoan siblings.

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

    Aww I think this one is my fave 🌺

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

    Tatou o tagata folau e vala'auina E le atua o le sami tele e o mai Ia ava'e le lu'itau e lelei Tapenapena Aue, aue Nuku I mua Te manulele e tataki e Aue, aue Te fenua, te malie, Nae ko hakilia mo kaiga e We read the wind and the sky when the sun is high We sail the length of the seas on the ocean breeze At night, we name every star We know where we are We know who we are, who we are Aue, aue We set a course to find A brand new island everywhere we roam Aue, aue We keep our island in our mind And when it's time to find home We know the way Aue, aue We are explorers reading every sign We tell the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain Aue, aue Te fenua, te mālie Nā heko hakilia We know the way

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

    She is a beautiful girl. The resemblance is there, but more like Moana's sister.

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

    nahhhh...the woman looks asian. moana is not asian.

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

    Moana is supposed to be of either Samoan or Tongan decent. This girl does not look she could be of either. She doesn’t even have the curly hair like Moana.

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

    Lowkey should smash and I’m straight

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

    I'm sorry but no. This one is way off for me.

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

    DARKER SKIN TONE. I think Ai is racist

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

    This ai generated version literally looks better

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

    did you know in the movie, she was supposed to be 12??!!

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

    Her eyes… they are black. In the movie they are like greenish-brown!

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

    i am moana fan and she look as beautiful as she is

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

    Good job, cute Polynesian face! But does not look distinctly Polynesian. Could be mistaken for Asian too!

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

    People... Polynesians originated in Asia. Every post like this 500 people complaining about ethnic groups who originated in East Asian looking to Asian🙄

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

    Moana is 14 and the person looks about 16-17

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

    Holy effing puffins...she is gorgeous omg Who is she?!

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

    She is so gorgeous 😍😲😩

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

    I'm not seeing the resemblance. She looks Asian but not Hawaiian.

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

    Nah. The cartoon face is wider, eyes farther apart, and eyes are not slanted.

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

    I don’t think this one did a very good job….. WAIT DONT HATE ME I STILL THINK THE GIRL IS HOT ITS JUST-

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

    She looks like she'd play in dramas

    Nothing Fancy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Moana was darker, and I felt like she was stronger looking. Not as "pretty". If you know what I mean.

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

    Is she Somoan? The real life version doesn't look somoan to me.

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

    What's funny is that Moana looks a ton like her voice actor. I wonder if she was inspiration?

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

    This is what Barbie should look like, attitude & all. .. Forget the RHONY/LA/SL pinched & tucked lipo llama look!

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

    Kinda looks like my teacher

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

    Whoa she is beautiful and my favorite Disney princess

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

    But she also IS a real person...

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    “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. 

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    #6

    Tinkerbell

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

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    Pocahontas

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    “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

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    #9

    Ned Flanders

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

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    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

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    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

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    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.

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    #11

    Rapunzel

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

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    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

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    #12

    Aladdin

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

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    #13

    Anna

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

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    #14

    Peter Pan

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

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    #15

    Olive Oyl

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

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    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?!

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    #16

    Lady Tremaine

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

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    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

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    #17

    Handsome Hans

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

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    #18

    Kristoff

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

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    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

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    #19

    Elsa

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

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    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 ??

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    #20

    Isabela Madrigal

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

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    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!

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    #21

    John Smith

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

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    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

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    #22

    Show White

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

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    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?…

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    #23

    Bart Simpson

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

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    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..

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