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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.”

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

    Looks like Taylor Swift!

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

    Too thin. Tinkerbell was based on Marilyn Monroe.

    Ivanka van der Reest
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, that's something AI doesn't know or consider. AI is not a person. AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It's not sentient. It doesn't know the history behind a cartoon character. Probably this AI program has access to a database of random faces and then when a cartoon is presented they use all that data and algorithms to make it into something realistic. And I can definitely see Tinkerbell in this so the AI did a good job.

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

    Cheeks are too thin in comparison to Tinkerbell whose Cheeks are more rounded.

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

    Tinkerbell was modeled after Marilyn Monroe according to the artist that created her for Disney, Marc Davis. Maybe the guy could have fed this information into the AI to use it as part of its determination about what Tinkerbell would look like for real.

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

    She reminds me of a blonde April Bowlby

    this violent end (she/her)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like a mix between taylor swift and anya taylor joy

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

    Needs a lot more elfishness, like the Peter Pan below

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

    I figured something a lot more sparkling

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

    Anya Taylor Swift Joy

    Haaaapppyyyyy!
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yo! Taylor Swift's long forgotten twin sister!

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

    Getting some serious Tay-Tay vibes

    Hazel Jennings
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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

    That is the exact right tilt to the mischievous eyes!

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

    I can see the Mischief in her eyes

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

    cinderella and tinkerbelle both look likr taylor swft

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

    Her chin isn’t like that

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

    i feel like her cheeks would be more full

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

    That cut off cheek plane tho 😂😂

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

    And also playing Fleur Delacoir...

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

    Face is too angular...needs to be rounder

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

    Unless tinkerbell uses some strong hair spray, the AI has too small a head and does not have the tilted eyes.

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

    i thought shed have a bit more slanted/almond eye shape. i cant remember the actual term right now

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

    by far my fave disney character and seein her realistic makes my heart happy

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

    Taylor Swift said, "Let's have a kid."

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

    You found perfect person for Tinkerbell. Looks just like her. Awesome

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

    OK but not quite like the cartoon one.

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

    Careful...Tink ain't for play-play.

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

    She looks like Anya Taylor-Joy

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

    She looks like she is gonna sing about relationships

    Ducky2322
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t see Taylor Swift at all, I see Ashley Greene

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

    since when did tinker bell have such nice cheekbones?!

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

    I don't think this looks anything like her. Especially the eyes and the cheecks look completely different to me. Tinkerbell has very round soft cheeks.

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

    Taylor Swift meets Anya Taylor Joy

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

    ....... With Michael Jacksons nose.

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

    Yes she does but her nose is tiny!

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

    You do understand that its not the face we were looking at, right . . . . how she flew with that booty is physics defying . . . .

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

    Looks so much cuter than tinkerbell

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

    Definitely a doppelganger for Taylor Swift. Pretty Tinkerbell for a live action movie.

    husky lovver 500
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it looks like cinderella and talyer swift

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

    Very attractive, but in my opinion, she looks too old to be Tinkerbell.

    GG
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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

    Y'all are crazy. If she's anyone, she's Anya Taylor-Joy

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

    "If you can't imagine yourself being Peter Pan, you won't BE Peter Pan, so eat up." my favorite :)

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

    I love taylor swift so much that i have all of her lyrics to every album memorized and um oops for spilling all that out

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

    Looks like a great Tinkerbell. The face is very close, but the hair is perfect.

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

    What a weird shin though

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

    Looks like t.swift & Margot robbie had a baby.

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    #7

    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

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

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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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