Artist Reimagines Studio Ghibli Characters As Real People Thanks To AI

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Studio Ghibli, co-founded by the renowned animator and director Hayao Miyazaki, is a cherished animation studio that has produced over twenty films in the past thirty years. As noted by Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, "Stories and characters that resonate with us often reflect our shared human experiences." Audiences of all ages find themselves captivated by the narratives and artistry of Studio Ghibli.

Even those who may not typically engage with anime are likely to have enjoyed at least one Studio Ghibli film. Titles like My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away have gained such widespread acclaim that they have become staples in Western culture.

The stunning artistry and meticulous detail in every Studio Ghibli feature, combined with wholesome and engaging stories, attract viewers from all walks of life. The distinctive animation style of Ghibli's characters is instantly recognizable.

Recently, an artist explored what some of the most beloved Studio Ghibli characters might look like as real people. Utilizing the program ArtBreeder, the user Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, recreated fan-favorite characters from Studio Ghibli's international hits, stating, "The characters we connect with often embody the values and lessons we hold dear."

We gathered fifteen character recreations designed by Dr. John Hattie to share with you today. Continue scrolling to see who made the list and whether they matched up well with their animated inspirations. ```

Castle in the Sky (1986)

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Pazu

Pazu is the protagonist of Studio Ghibli's first official film, Castle in the Sky.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Sheeta

Sheeta is the other protagonist in Castle in the Sky.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

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The Kusakabe Sisters

11-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Princess Mononoke (1997)

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San

It's easy to forget that San is only a teenager, and the artist seems to have captured some of her intensity.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Ashitaka

Ashitaka's tribe, the Emishi, is thought to be heavily inspired by the indigenous Ainu people of Japan.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Ponyo (2008)

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Ponyo

I love how they recreated Ponyo's wavy ginger hair.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Sōsuke

Ponyo's best friend, Sōsuke!

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

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Kiki

Everyone's favorite witch!

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Tombo

Tombo is Kiki's friend and love interest.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away (2001)

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Chihiro

She looks so adorable.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Haku

They definitely captured his intensity and otherworldliness, but I wonder if they could have made him look closer to 12, as depicted in the film.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

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Howl

I'd never stop staring at him.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Sophie Hatter

Sophie pre-curse.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Sophie Hatter

Sophie after her old-age curse.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

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Nausicaä

Ghibli's (unofficial) first heroine, 16-year-old Nausicaä. While Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was created prior to the founding of Studio Ghibli, the film is often considered to be the beginning of the studio because of the involvement of Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki.

books_baking_broadway / Via Artbreeder, Studio Ghibli

Before any concerned comments about some of the Japanese-based Studio Ghibli animation characters looking non-Asian, the artist did their best to stay true to each story. For example, Howl’s Moving Castle is based on a book of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones and is set in a fantasy version of England.

Otherwise, what did you think of each character's transformation? Do you feel that the artist captured the look of each character well?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! And be sure to share this with another Studio Ghibli fan!