The world is rapidly evolving as new technological breakthroughs impact our daily lives in various ways. Who could have imagined a time when people would flock to theaters in large numbers to watch animated films? Yet, here we are, embracing this transformation.
Cartoons have traditionally been seen as imaginative and unreal creations. That was until recently when Hidreley Leli, a Brazilian artist who, like many of us, grew up watching cartoons, decided to do something no one else had done before.
Using a combination of photographs and advanced software, he leverages artificial intelligence to visualize what our beloved cartoon characters might look like in real life. Here are 45 jaw-dropping images of animated characters in human form, ranging from Disney to The Simpsons and beyond. The results are truly remarkable!
1. Princess Jasmine
Jasmine is a character we all recognize, especially from the story of Aladdin. A poor man pretending to be a prince wins the heart of Princess Jasmine, hoping to deceive her into marriage. But Jasmine was no fool, and she wasn’t something to be won over.
Thanks to artificial intelligence, Jasmine comes to life without needing a genie’s magic or a magic lamp. Her beauty is truly breathtaking, and now we see why Aladdin was willing to go to great lengths to win her heart. Those eyes!
2. Eric
Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid remains one of the most charming Disney characters to this day. Many viewers developed a huge crush on him as they watched the story unfold. Do you remember when he rowed a boat and won Ariel’s love with a simple kiss?
Despite being swayed by Ursula, Eric’s true love was Ariel, and he returned to her. As predicted, this AI-generated version of Eric is even more handsome than his cartoon counterpart.
3. Pocahontas
Pocahontas was a free-spirited and highly intelligent noblewoman, full of wisdom and kindness. In the animated film, she was portrayed as wild and beautiful. With the help of AI, we now get a glimpse of what Pocahontas might look like as a real person.
Her fierce determination to follow her beliefs and act on her conscience makes perfect sense now. In real life, Pocahontas journeyed to England to be with John Smith, the man she loved—a detail Disney left out.
4. Ariel
What’s the deal with redheads? Well, they’re known for being passionate, self-assured, and rare. Ariel, the little mermaid, embodies all of these traits in spades.
Though Ariel initially lived an uneventful life underwater, thanks to Ursula’s magic, she got to live her dreams. With this transformation, we now understand why Eric couldn’t bear to let her go.
5. Julieta Madrigal
For those unfamiliar with Encanto, this is Julieta Madrigal, the matriarch of the family. She is the mother of Luisa, Isabella, and Mirabel. In the movie, she is depicted as a woman in her 50s with curly gray hair and beautiful brown skin.
Her magical ability is to heal others by cooking food, a talent she uses frequently throughout the movie. The resemblance is astounding! The artist certainly knows how to make the most of this AI tool.
6. Joe Gardner
Joe Gardner from Soul was a high school teacher and aspiring jazz musician. Though he was in his 40s, he had always dreamed of playing jazz professionally. The film follows his journey to make that dream come true.
After facing many challenges, Joe finally achieved his goal. The AI version of his character looks so lifelike. Frankly, he looks even more attractive in this form than in the animated movie. What do you think?
7. Pepa Madrigal
We can’t leave out Pepa Madrigal from Encanto. If you haven’t seen the film yet, we highly recommend it. Pepa, the emotional member of the family, has the ability to control the weather based on her mood.
When she’s happy, the weather is sunny; when she’s upset, storms begin to form. Thanks to AI, we finally see what this intense character would look like as a real person. Her expression and look perfectly match her emotional powers.
8. Annabelle
When discussing horror films, Annabelle is a name that cannot be forgotten. The prequel to The Conjuring, it focuses on a possessed doll and a series of grisly events. It’s certainly not suitable for children, even though the star is just a doll.
If you haven’t watched the film yet, you’re missing out. This AI-generated version doesn’t quite capture the full horror of the doll, though it certainly bears a striking resemblance. She looks more like a creepy, mean-spirited girl than a truly menacing figure.
9. Moe Szyslak
We all remember Moe Szyslak from The Simpsons—the irritable, often miserable bartender of Moe’s Tavern. Known for his violent outbursts, he always seemed to find trouble, yet his character never failed to make us laugh.
If you’ve ever wondered what Moe might look like in real life, wonder no more. This AI artist has brought that vision to life, and we can finally see Moe as a human being.
10. Carl Fredricksen
Up is a heartwarming animated film that touched many people. Its story teaches us about the importance of appreciating what we have before it’s too late. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards and won two.
The film centers around Carl Fredricksen, a cantankerous old man who embarks on a grand adventure with a house full of balloons. While we loved his animated version, seeing him as a 3D human is absolutely worth it. The nose, wrinkles, glasses, and hair are spot on!
11. Tinkerbell
Tinkerbell is a fairy who appeared in several Peter Pan films. Although small in stature, her feisty and sweet personality won our hearts. She was always flitting about in her green dress and shoes.
This is the real-life version of Tinkerbell, and we are truly impressed. Though she somewhat resembles Taylor Swift, she still brings to mind the beloved Disney fairy.
12. Li Shang
Li Shang was a standout character that we always looked forward to seeing in the film Mulan. As Captain Li Shang, he was always serious about his mission to defeat the Huns and ensure the safe return of the three princesses to Qui Gong.
Due to his striking appearance, he earned the nickname “Pretty Boy,” and this A.I. rendition only supports that claim—he is undeniably handsome. In fact, we would say he looks even more attractive here than in his animated form.
13. Rapunzel
Rapunzel, one of the Disney princesses, led a lonely and difficult life. Isolated in a distant tower, she was kept captive due to her magical ability, with her long hair glowing whenever she sang.
Her life was marked by solitude, shared only with her cruel captor who exploited her powers. This lifelike version of her highlights even more of her natural beauty, and it’s no surprise that she eventually found her happy ending with her Prince Charming.
14. Aladdin
While we’re familiar with Jasmine from Aladdin, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her husband. Aladdin was a poor street thief, with no noble blood or wealth, yet he still managed to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, and now we understand why.
Aladdin’s charm, good looks, and the right words made him irresistible to any woman. Honestly, even if you didn’t have a crush on his character, you wouldn’t mind falling for this A.I. version. We certainly would.
15. Camilo Madrigal
Another beloved character from Encanto is Camilo Madrigal, the true entertainer of the film. Known for his shape-shifting powers, he could transform into anyone he wished. His upbeat personality made him a favorite among fans.
In the film, Camilo was only fifteen years old, and this life-like version of him perfectly captures his youthful energy. He’s a playful and fun-loving teenager, always smiling with his curly hair.
16. Lisa Simpson
Lisa Simpson, a character from The Simpsons sitcom, stands out for her intelligence, far beyond her eight years. This intelligence often led her to be somewhat of a loner. In one episode, she even imagined herself as a future president.
A vegetarian and a deep thinker, Lisa often questions the chaotic events around her home. This A.I. version transforms her cartoonish features into a realistic human portrayal, with large eyes and a bright, friendly smile. Her intelligent look perfectly matches her character. Great job, Hidreley!
17. Merida
Merida, the Scottish princess from Brave, taught us so much about independence and intelligence. One of her most iconic lines is, “You control your destiny. You don’t need magic to do it, and there are no magical shortcuts to solving your problems.”
We all admire this Disney princess, and this is a glimpse of what she might look like in real life. With blue eyes and vibrant red hair, we can see the resemblance, though this version seems to lack some of the fierce strength that her animated counterpart exuded.
18. Flynn Rider
Flynn Rider, the quintessential bad boy from Tangled, was a skilled thief, con artist, and ladies’ man. He had a change of heart when he met Rapunzel, a girl with golden, glowing hair. Flynn was already quite attractive in the film.
This A.I. version of Flynn perfectly captures his charming looks, wit, and the mischievous smirk that made him so appealing. He represents the bad boy archetype, and his striking appearance is enough to make anyone swoon.
19. Mulan
When all the men were drafted for war, Mulan disguised herself as a man to take her elderly father’s place in the Chinese army. Brave and confident, she fought valiantly and returned victorious.
It’s hard to imagine how she convinced everyone she was a boy, considering her undeniably feminine features. This lifelike version shows off her soft yet strong features, and it’s clear that we wouldn’t have been easily tricked by her disguise.
20. Chucky
Even if you aren’t a fan of horror movies, you’ve likely heard of Chucky, the possessed doll that haunts and kills with a knife. Known as one of the scariest dolls ever, there’s something oddly captivating about this A.I. version.
Maybe it’s the unsettling eyes or that sinister grin, but one thing is for sure: his appearance makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! Always stay vigilant, as you never know when Chucky might strike.
21. John Smith
This has got to be the man of our dreams. Charming and sincere, John Smith played it straight from the start when he met Pocahontas, declaring, “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.”
This might sound overly romantic to some, but who doesn’t love a genuine, heartfelt man? His A.I. depiction is flawless, and we can’t help but admire this picture of perfection.
22. Ned Flanders
In The Simpsons, Ned Flanders was the devoted, evangelical Christian who always shared his faith and managed to resist temptation. He was a cornerstone of the Springfield community, despite being the subject of frequent mockery from the Simpson family.
This A.I. version of Ned perfectly captures his essence. With his iconic mustache and suit, he definitely looks like someone who would be deeply involved in the work of the Lord. Kudos to the artist for getting it just right!
23. Lady Tremaine
Lady Tremaine, the wicked stepmother from Cinderella, remains one of Disney’s most despised villains. She tormented Cinderella for years while lavishing her own daughters with love, turning them into spoiled brats.
This AI software did a remarkable job of bringing her cruel nature to life, transforming her into a truly menacing figure. With her cold, piercing eyes and furrowed brows, she embodies the image of a wicked sorceress. We’re not fans, Lady Tremaine.
24. Milhouse Van Houten
Milhouse, Bart’s best friend, is the awkward, impressionable, and overlooked kid at school. We’ve watched Milhouse stay the same age for more than 30 years. It’s hard to figure out how, but he never seems to graduate or grow up.
Often caught up in mischief thanks to Bart’s antics, this AI-powered version of Milhouse shows him as a real-life nerd, complete with glasses and bushy eyebrows. Impressive, right? What’s your take on this transformation?
25. Anna
If you’re a Frozen fan, you’ll be as excited as we are to see Anna brought to life. Elsa’s little sister, with the power to manipulate ice, has always had a relatable connection with the other characters.
This AI-rendered version of Anna perfectly captures her sweet smile and adorable freckles. We still can’t believe Hans betrayed this beautiful character in his quest for power.
26. Olive Oyl
Let’s take a trip back in time to meet Olive Oyl, Popeye’s long-time love interest. This spunky, fiery woman has been a staple of animation for over a century, and who can blame Popeye for his enduring affection?
It’s astonishing how this AI software turned her 2D cartoon image into a real-life representation. Kudos to the digital artist for bringing her animated essence to life so well.
27. Snow White
Snow White’s life was filled with hardship from the moment she was born, all thanks to the evil queen. The queen’s first attempt to end her life drove Snow White into the forest for safety.
The queen didn’t stop there, trying once more with a poisoned apple. This AI rendering gives us a glimpse of why the queen was so envious of Snow White: she’s incredibly beautiful.
28. Hans
Meet Hans, the charming yet devious character from Frozen. Though outwardly suave and composed, he is driven by greed and deception. He used his looks and false charm to convince Anna—and even us—that his feelings were genuine.
In his power-hungry quest, he betrayed Anna to seize the throne. But Disney fans know that in the end, evil never wins. Hans’ schemes were foiled, and we’re reminded once again that bad guys often have the best looks.
29. Peter Pan
The iconic Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up, is famous for his playful and fearless nature. Living in Neverland, he had endless adventures battling pirates. But what would he look like as a mischievous teenager?
Here’s the AI-generated version of Peter Pan as a teen—handsome, daring, and always up for a little bit of fun and trouble.
30. Princess Tiana
The Princess and the Frog had a unique storyline, but we couldn’t help but love it. Tiana, an aspiring chef in New Orleans, dreamed of owning her own restaurant. After kissing a frog, he transformed into a prince.
According to this digital artist, Princess Tiana, if real, would look just like this. Her AI transformation shows just how remarkable technology and creativity can be when combined.
31. Raya
Raya, Disney’s latest princess, is a determined and fearless character. She dedicated her life to guarding a precious gem in a fractured world, and her mission was to find the powerful dragon that could restore peace.
This AI image captures Raya’s determination, reflecting her commitment to achieving her goals. If you need a little motivation to reach yours, Raya is the perfect source of inspiration.
32. Apu
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the beloved Springfield Kwik-E-Mart owner from The Simpsons, is a workaholic with a deep commitment to his job. He spends most of his days working hard rather than being at home.
This 3D version of Apu captures his classic character. We can easily imagine him behind the counter at his store, greeting customers with his signature smile.
33. Lilo Pelekai
Lilo from Lilo and Stitch is a memorable character who captured our hearts. This spirited orphan from Hawaii, living with her older sister, was surrounded by alien creatures that added to her unique life.
The AI-generated version of Lilo is one of the most striking, showcasing her well-proportioned features and attention to detail. We can’t help but be impressed with how well the software brought her to life. Aloha, Lilo!
34. Bruno Madrigal
The animated movie Encanto was filled with characters who possessed unique supernatural abilities, especially the members of the Madrigal family. Every family has that one eccentric member, and in this case, it’s Bruno, who holds the gift of seeing the future.
Bruno is often perceived as a menacing and cruel figure, but in reality, he is a shy individual who grapples with anxiety, much like his sister, Pepa. Let’s be kind and recognize his human qualities, such as his nose, eyes, and hair. They all fit him perfectly.
35. Meg
In the show Family Guy, voiced by Mila Kunis, Meg is frequently the target of jokes and ridicule. Rather than being the stereotypical ignored middle child, she is the neglected eldest child. Poor Meg tries to navigate her teenage years while enduring endless pranks at her expense.
Though she is just a cartoon character, we’ve always felt a connection with Meg. This lifelike rendering of her makes her even more relatable. Plus, we have to say, this version of Meg has the most stunning eyes.
36. Sailor Moon
Anime is widely known to have originated in Japan, and Sailor Moon was one of the most iconic anime series of the 90s. It became a sensation, following a teenage girl who transforms into a strong heroine and relentlessly battles evil forces.
Until now, we hadn’t imagined what Sailor Moon might look like as a real person. But thanks to technology, that vision is now a reality. She appears incredibly lifelike, with every detail, from the shape of her face to her blue eyes, perfectly captured. We are absolutely amazed!
37. Dash Parr
Dash Parr, a central character in the 2003 animated film The Incredibles, possessed the incredible ability to run at lightning speed. Despite his power, he was a typical teen with a bit of ego and a penchant for mischief.
Although the movie was in 3D, it didn’t quite achieve a realistic look. This A.I. image breaks that barrier, offering us a glimpse of what Dash might look like as a human. We must admit, he definitely looks like the mischievous troublemaker we know and love!
38. Belle
Upon the release of Beauty and the Beast, the character of Belle won the hearts of audiences everywhere. She was beloved not just for her beauty, but for her intelligence and love of reading. Belle was constantly dreaming of grand adventures beyond her small town.
Gaston, the arrogant and aggressive man who sought her hand in marriage, went to extreme lengths to win her over. But, it’s Belle’s face that captivated him. True to her name, Belle is both beautiful and brainy.
39. Princess Moana
Disney’s 2016 film Moana told the inspiring story of a daring teen who embarks on a heroic voyage to save her people. Along the way, she meets Maui and fulfills the ancient mission of her ancestors.
Moana captured our hearts with her incredible voice and vibrant personality. Here, an artist has brought her to life using A.I., and she looks so realistic that it’s almost unbelievable. This is the magic of technology at work.
40. Kristoff
While Kristoff from Frozen wasn’t exactly the heartthrob of the movie, he did have plenty of admirable qualities, making up for what he lacked in looks.
Although he wasn’t initially the person we imagined Anna with, by the end of the film, they seemed like the perfect couple. And even though his A.I. version looks far more attractive than the animated version, both still have a kind and lovable vibe.
41. Prince Naveen
Prince Naveen’s life was far from easy. His laziness and selfishness led to his disownment by his family, stripping him of all royal privileges. To make matters worse, an evil sorcerer cursed him, transforming him into a frog.
Even though his actions may have deserved some of his misfortune, we can’t help but feel sorry for him. With this A.I. rendition, we get a glimpse of what Prince Naveen might look like, and he’s rather handsome. We think this is a nice reward after all the hardships he endured.
42. Elsa
Elsa from Frozen is known for her elegance, with her platinum-blonde hair and pale skin. However, for a long time, she struggled with accepting her powers and feared others discovering her incredible ability to create ice.
By the end of the film, Elsa learned to embrace and control her powers. If we encountered her A.I. version in real life, would we easily recognize the magic she holds? Perhaps we’ll never know.
43. Bart Simpson
It’s easy to see the resemblance between the iconic yellow cartoon version of Bart Simpson and this real-life interpretation. His mischievous, rebellious spirit is fully captured here, exuding his famous disregard for authority. From prank calls to classroom disruptions, Bart is always up to no good.
This humanized version of Bart Simpson may just be one of the best “live-action” adaptations of a The Simpsons character. With his distinct hair, chin, and face, we can immediately tell that he’s scheming something.
44. Isabela Madrigal
Isabela Madrigal from Encanto is the picture of perfection, using her powers to make and cultivate beautiful flowers. While she seemed content with her flawless persona, there came a point when Isabela grew tired of the constant pressure to maintain this image of perfection.
We can understand her exhaustion; being seen as the “perfect golden child” would be a heavy burden. This human-like version of Isabela is a stunning portrayal, elevating her character to new heights of beauty and grace. Perfection, indeed.
45. Cinderella
Cinderella stands as the quintessential Disney princess. Her tale of “rags to riches” resonates with everyone, as she was mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, but ultimately triumphed by marrying the prince.
Her fortunes changed when she lost her glass slipper, a moment that led to her happily ever after. Many girls tried to fit into the slipper, but none succeeded. Here’s the real-life beauty who proved they never stood a chance.
46. Tintin
The Adventures of Tintin began as a French comic book before being adapted into an animated movie. Since its debut in 1907, it has been translated into over 70 languages and remains incredibly popular worldwide.
The appeal of this book lies in the moral lessons it imparts. No post about animated characters would be complete without including Tintin. His A.I. version closely mirrors the original, with his signature upturned bangs and rosy cheeks. It’s truly spectacular.