Tenacious Tots: AI De-Ages Pop Culture Icons, And The Results Are Adorable

By Jishnu B

This article was originally published on whythese

Babies, babies everywhere! You might think that the world has been hit by a sudden baby boom, but nope, it’s just AI at work again. That’s right, folks. Digital creator Topher Welsh has used artificial intelligence to reimagine some of pop culture’s most beloved characters as tiny, adorable infants. And let us tell you, the results are both hilarious and adorable.

Who needs action figures or collectibles when you can have a whole new lineup of baby versions of your favorite pop culture icons? From superheroes to villains, and everything in between, these tiny tykes are sure to bring a smile to your face, all thanks to Midjourney.

So buckle up, folks. Get ready to see your favorite characters in a whole new light. It’s time to meet the babies of pop culture!

All images in this article are courtesy of tophmangoph_ on Instagram.

Luke Skywalker

In a galaxy far, far away, a new hero has emerged. And he’s only a few months old. Midjourney has given us Luke Skywalker as a baby, complete with fierce determination and a blue lightsaber nearly as big as he is.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

At first glance, you might think that a baby wielding a lightsaber is a recipe for disaster, but baby Luke is surprisingly skilled with the weapon. He swings it around with precision, slicing through anything in his path—including a few unlucky stuffed animals. 

Ray Stantz

In a world where the Ghostbusters never grew up, one member stands out as the cutest and most mischievous of them all: Ray Stantz! With his little round glasses and pudgy cheeks, Baby Ray is an absolute delight to behold. But don’t let his cherubic appearance fool you—this little guy is a troublemaker through and through.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Take, for example, his beloved proton pack, which he insists on carrying with him everywhere he goes. Sure, it’s a scaled-down version, but it still packs a punch (or at least a harmless beam of energy). You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Baby Ray chasing down imaginary ghosts, zapping everything in sight.

Hermione Granger

Despite her small size, baby Hermione still has all of her signature smarts and sass. You better watch out when she starts throwing her toys out of the crib because she’s got a mean “Wingardium Leviosa” up her onesie sleeve. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

And, of course, being a baby Hermione also means she’s got a bit of a bossy streak. Don’t even think about trying to give her the wrong type of bottle, because she’s not afraid to whip out a well-placed “It’s Levio-sa, not Levio-sar” to set you straight.

Neo

Neo, the one and only savior of humanity in The Matrix, is the cutest little messiah you’ve ever seen. But don’t let his tiny size fool you; this baby still has some serious skills. You see, Neo’s ability to bend the rules of reality doesn’t just apply to his adult form. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

As a baby, he can manipulate his surroundings in ways that would make even the most advanced hackers jealous. He can make toys fly through the air, change the color of his pacifier with a thought, and even make his own milk appear out of thin air.

Deadpool

As the wise-cracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero of the Marvel universe, Deadpool is known for his irreverent humor, his snarky comments, and his love of chimichangas. Sporting his iconic red suit, a tiny mask, and a toy sword in back, baby Deadpool is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

From battling imaginary foes to spouting hilarious one-liners, this tiny bundle of joy is always ready for action. Just try telling him to take a nap and watch as he responds with a perfectly timed “Did someone say ‘nap’ or ‘trap’?” quip. 

Velma

We’re glad that baby Velma has her signature orange turtleneck sweater and glasses. Because let’s be real, Velma wouldn’t be Velma without those iconic accessories. She still has a penchant for solving mysteries, except instead of trying to unmask a spooky ghost, she is trying to figure out who stole her pacifier.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

She’s not afraid to interrogate her fellow babies, either. “Jinkies!” she’ll exclaim when she discovers a clue, which, in this case, is usually just a trail of drool leading to the culprit. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll get to see her and her team of baby mystery solvers on their own cartoon show. 

Wednesday Addams

Wednesday Addams, everyone’s favorite morbid, deadpan little sister. With her pale skin, black clothes, and razor-sharp wit, she’s been a beloved character for generations. But what would happen if we took this iconic goth and rewound the clock a few years? 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Well, wonder no more, because, with the help of AI, the artist has done just that. This classic Addams Family character is transformed into a tiny, mischievous infant. She may be tiny, but baby Wednesday still has all the wit, sarcasm, and dark humor we know and love. 

Ariel

Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom under the sea, there was a little mermaid named Ariel. She was a beautiful and adventurous young woman who dreamed of exploring the world above the waves. But she wasn’t born as a rebellious young woman…

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Instead of singing to attract the attention of humans, she would coo and giggle, capturing the hearts of everyone around her. As a baby, she didn’t seek out human artifacts; she would gather all the shiny things she could find, from seashells to colorful pebbles. 

Elsa 

We met Elsa as a kid in Frozen (and Frozen II), but we have yet to see baby Elsa… until today. Born with her powers, the king and queen had to quickly learn how to handle the future queen of ice and snow.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Baby Elsa is the cutest little snowflake out there. Her big, bright blue eyes are sparkling with wonder. In the three years before Anna came into the world, baby Elsa perfected making her own toys out of ice and snow.

Cousin It

In the eerie and mysterious mansion of the Addams Family, there lived a baby like no other—Cousin It. Known for their long, flowing locks, Cousin It was born with a full head of hair that reached all the way down to their tiny toes. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Raising Cousin It as a baby was no easy task. With so much hair, it was difficult to tell which end was up. Their parents would often mistake their feet for their, head and vice versa. It didn’t help that Cousin It had a tendency to roll around like a furry little tumbleweed. 

Ash

In the vibrant world of Pokémon, there lived a baby named Ash. Unlike most babies, Ash was a little adventurer with big dreams. He dreamed of catching all the Pokémon in the world and becoming a legendary Pokémon trainer known all over the world. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Despite the challenges of being a baby Pokémon trainer, Ash was determined to catch them all. He would crawl around the house, searching for imaginary Pokémon to add to his collection. And when he finally took his first steps, it was like he had won his first gym battle.

Chewbacca

When you think of Chewbacca, you probably picture a towering, furry Wookiee with a deep voice and fierce loyalty to his friends. But have you ever stopped to wonder what he would look like as a baby? He’d definitely be a fluffy little ball of fur, sporting a tiny bandolier. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

He may not be able to speak in his signature growls and roars yet, but you can just imagine the cute gurgles and coos coming from his tiny mouth. And don’t worry, his fierce loyalty is still intact, as he clings to his favorite toy Wookiee doll for dear life.

Marty McFly

Marty McFly won our hearts in Back to the Future, and his baby self has done the same. He’s a time-traveling, guitar-shredding, DeLorean-driving hero. Instead of a DeLorean, Baby Marty would be cruising around in a souped-up baby stroller with a flux capacitor built in.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

He’d be zooming around the playground, going to and from the future to make sure he didn’t miss nap time or snack time. And speaking of snacks, Baby Marty would have a love for junk food that even surpasses his teenage self. 

Merida

Merida from Brave reimagined as a baby? Hilarity ensues! Just imagine a tiny, cute, and wild-haired little princess running around with a bow and arrow. It’s pure comedy gold! Baby Merida is a force to be reckoned with. She’s got the same fiery spirit as her older self.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

She’d likely be crawling around the castle, brandishing her mini bow and arrows and causing mischief wherever she goes. Now we know where her brothers got it from. And we’re sure her head full of unruly, curly red hair would still be impossible to tame.

Thor

The God of Thunder is known for his muscular physique, his flowing locks of golden hair, and his mighty hammer, Mjolnir. But what would happen if we took all of that away and transformed him into a tiny, chubby baby? Well, thanks to AI, we don’t have to wonder anymore. Introducing, baby Thor! 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Sporting a miniature version of Thor’s iconic cape, this baby Thor is ready to take on the world, one diaper change at a time. But just because he’s a baby doesn’t mean he’s lost his sense of heroism. With his trusty mini Mjolnir in hand, he’ll take on any villain.

Nick Furry

Imagine Nick Fury, the tough-as-nails director of S.H.I.E.L.D., as a crying, pooping, and giggling little infant. He may be a tough guy now, but we all have to start somewhere, right? He still had to learn how to crawl, often toward mischief and danger.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

He’s already got a knack for sneaking around undetected, so it’s no surprise when his parents find him in the pantry, munching on a bag of chips like it’s no big deal. And when they try to take them away, baby Fury lets out a battle cry and refuses to let go. 

Jean Grey

Move over, Baby Yoda; there’s a new infant superhero in town: Baby Jean Grey! That’s right, the telekinetic and telepathic member of the X-Men has been reimagined as a cute and cuddly baby by AI, and the results are nothing short of hilarious.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Of course, being a baby isn’t all fun and games, even for a mutant. Jean still needs to be fed, changed, and put down for naps like any other baby. But don’t even think about sneaking up on her during nap time; she’ll sense you coming and throw hands.

Jasmine

In a world where Disney Princesses are beloved icons, one stands out above the rest for her wit, charm, and spunky attitude: Jasmine. But what if we were to reimagine her as a baby? Would she still be the same feisty, independent spirit that we know and love?

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

In fact, as a baby, she might be even more feisty and determined than ever before. Imagine little Jasmine, all dressed up in her little onesie, sitting in her crib, staring at her nanny with a steely gaze. “I want to go outside,” she would demand. “And I want to ride an elephant. Now.” 

Winston Zeddemore

Winston Zeddemore, the no-nonsense Ghostbuster with a heart of gold, is a fan favorite from the classic movie franchise. With his dry wit and unflappable demeanor, he quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the series. He is the everyman of the Ghostbusters team.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Imagine little Winston, crawling around the Ghostbusters headquarters, surveying the scene with a critical eye as keen as his adult form. “We need to beef up the containment unit,” he would babble. “And don’t even get me started on the ectoplasmic residue in the basement.”

Harry Potter

Once upon a time, in a wizarding world hidden from muggles, there was a baby boy who would one day become known as Harry Potter. But before he was the chosen one, he was just a tiny, adorable, and somewhat mischievous baby. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Legend has it that Harry Potter’s first word was not “Mama” or “Dada,” but rather “Expelliarmus!” Yes, you read that correctly. As soon as he learned to walk and talk, he was already practicing his wand movements and casting spells.

Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley, the beloved redheaded friend of Harry Potter, has been reimagined as a baby in this new (and adorable) alternate universe. The once brave and loyal Gryffindor has now been reduced to a giggling, gurgling, and drooling bundle of joy.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Gone are the days of wizarding battles, Quidditch matches, and saving the world from the clutches of Lord Voldemort. Now, Ron spends his days in a diaper, playing with his toys, and throwing tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.

Loki

From his early days as a villain to his more recent turn as a reluctant hero, Loki has always been a character that fans can’t get enough of. Whether he’s causing chaos in Asgard or teaming up with his brother Thor to save the universe, Loki always keeps fans on their toes.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Picture baby Loki, crawling around the house, using his magical powers to make toys float in the air or turn the family cat into a frog. And let’s not forget about his trickster tendencies. Of course, with great mischief comes great consequences, and baby Loki would surely find himself in a lot of trouble.

Domino

In a surprising turn of events, the infamous Domino from the Deadpool franchise has been reimagined as a baby. The kick-butt mercenary with luck powers is now a tiny, chubby-cheeked infant. Her new caretaker, Deadpool himself, is struggling to adjust to the new addition to his life.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Gone are the days of taking down bad guys with a flick of her wrist. Instead, Domino spends her days trying to crawl and grasp at her toys. She may have lost her luck powers in this new universe, but she still manages to cause chaos wherever she goes.

Morpheus

As the enigmatic leader of the resistance against the machines, Morpheus is known for his stoic demeanor, his cool shades, and his ability to bend the rules of reality. Even baby Morpheus still has all of his signature confidence and coolness. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

He’s not afraid to kick off his tiny shoes and show off some Matrix-style baby kung-fu moves when he’s feeling particularly feisty. He may be small, but he’s still prepared to take down Agent Smith and train The One for the upcoming battles.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man is known for his incredible powers, his amazing spider-like abilities that have saved countless lives in the city of New York. But what if that spider bit Peter when he was just a tot? Did he crawl up walls and shoot webs from his fingertips even then?

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Even as an infant, Peter Parker had an uncanny sense of balance, which made him a very unique baby. His parents soon discovered that it was hard to get him to eat his veggies. Just one look at broccoli and he’d be crawling on the ceiling.

Yondu

Yondu Udonta, the tough-talking Ravager from Guardians of the Galaxy, is known for his blue skin, mohawk, and his trusty whistle-controlled Yaka arrow. Was he just as gruff yet lovable as a baby? With the help of Midjourney, Topher gave us the answer.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Baby Yondu has a real mohawk isntead of his mechanical one, but it suits the little tyke well. And let’s be real, that pacifier would probably double as a whistle because baby Yondu wouldn’t let any bullies steal his toys.

Neville Longbottom

As a baby, Neville Longbottom still has the round face and chubby cheeks that make him look so lovable. But don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance, as Neville has already shown signs of his bravery and determination, even in his tiny form.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Just like his older self, baby Neville is not afraid to stand up to bullies, even if they’re twice his size. He’ll cry out at the top of his lungs if he thinks someone is being mistreated, and he’ll never back down from a challenge.

Mantis

Mantis, the empathic and quirky alien from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is known for her unique abilities and endearing personality. Imagine a tiny baby with big black eyes and antennas sticking out of her head. That’s right, baby Mantis would be just as adorable as her adult self, if not more so. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Even as a baby, she would be able to sense the emotions of those around her, which could lead to some interesting diaper-changing situations. She might even be able to calm down other crying babies in the nursery with her powers, making her the ultimate babysitter. 

Captain America

Captain America, the ultimate superhero and symbol of American patriotism, is known for his strength, bravery, and unwavering sense of justice. He might not be able to walk or talk yet, but baby Cap would still be a force to be reckoned with. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

And let’s not forget about his physical abilities. Even as a baby, Captain America would be strong and agile, able to crawl or roll out of danger with lightning-fast reflexes. He might even start organizing his fellow babies into a miniature Avengers team. 

Iron Man

Imagine a tiny baby with a miniature suit of armor, complete with all the gadgets and gizmos of his adult self. Baby Iron Man would be the ultimate baby tech guru, constantly tinkering with his suit and coming up with new inventions. He learned to solder before he learned to talk.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

And let’s not forget about his quick wit and sarcasm. Even as a baby, Iron Man would have a snarky sense of humor, cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments to anyone who crossed his path. He might even use his suit’s speakers to amplify his baby babble, making his insults all the more hilarious. 

Joker

Once upon a time, in seedy Gotham City, there was a baby born with a smile so wide, it stretched from ear to ear. This baby was none other than the infamous Joker, the clown prince of crime, in his early years. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

As a baby, the Joker was already showing signs of his mischievous personality. He would giggle uncontrollably when his parents tried to put him down for a nap, and instead of sleeping, he would start crawling around the room, pulling books off the shelves and knocking over furniture. 

Agent Smith

Agent Smith from The Matrix is known for his cold, calculating demeanor, his impeccable suit, and his ability to dodge bullets like he’s playing a game of hopscotch. The Matrix generated him as an adult, but Topher used his own AI to de-age the classic antagonist.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Can you imagine Agent Smith, the ultimate villain, trying to crawl after a ball or a stuffed animal? He’d probably be knocking over everything in his path, like a tiny, angry bulldozer. And when he got frustrated, he’d probably just cry uncontrollably until someone picked him up. 

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman, the Amazonian warrior princess, the embodiment of truth and compassion, and now, a baby. It’s hard to imagine such a fierce and powerful superhero as a little bundle of joy, but here we are. But even as a baby, Wonder Woman still has that indomitable spirit. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Can you imagine little baby Diana, with her chubby cheeks and wispy baby hair, crawling around the Themysciran nursery? Instead of training with swords and shields, she’s flailing around with her tiny fists, trying to grab anything within reach as she learns to walk.

Dr. Peter Venkman

Dr. Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters is known for his quick wit, charming personality, and his ability to handle paranormal activity with ease. The best part about imagining Dr. Venkman as a baby is picturing him in a highchair, trying to catch a ghost with his spoon. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

And imagine Ray, Egon, and Winston coming over for a playdate, trying to figure out how to contain the paranormal activity in the nursery. They’d be dressed in tiny jumpsuits, armed with baby-sized proton packs, and trying to catch the mischievous ghost baby causing all the chaos. 

Batman

Batman, the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, the ultimate symbol of justice and vengeance. Picture a tiny, helpless little Bruce Wayne, with his chubby cheeks and tiny fists, trying to save gritty Gotham City one dirty diaper at a time.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Of course, even as a baby, Batman still has his trusted allies. Alfred, his loyal butler, would be there to change his diaper and offer him milk, but you can bet little Bruce would be scrutinizing him, making sure he’s not secretly working for the Joker.

The Hulk

We know the Hulk as a muscular and fearsome superhero capable of destroying anything in his path. Now he’s a tiny, chubby, and oh-so-adorable toddler. Instead of smashing buildings, he spends his days drooling, napping, and occasionally throwing a tantrum when he doesn’t get his way (which, let’s face it, is most of the time).

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Despite his small size, baby Hulk is incredibly strong. He’s been known to knock over his playpen when he gets excited. But his real superpower is his ability to emit a deafening scream that can shatter glass and cause grown adults to run for cover.

Superman

Clark Kent arrived on Earth as a tot, but he didn’t come into his own until he reached adulthood. But what if the Man of Steel started young? In this hilarious new version, Superman is a cute, cuddly, and oh-so-innocent little tyke. Gone are the days of fighting crime and saving the world. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Now, Superman spends his days drooling, babbling, and occasionally lifting heavy objects with his chubby little arms. He’s also incredibly fast at diaper changes, which comes in handy when he’s dealing with his Kryptonian-sized messes. Also, beware—if you make him angry, he’ll unleash his super-cry, which can shatter eardrums and bring down buildings.

Trinity

Trinity from The Matrix is an iconic character known for her bada**ery, agility, and fighting skills. Imagine Trinity crawling at lightning speed across the room, dodging toys and obstacles like they’re bullets. She may not have learned how to walk yet, but that doesn’t stop her from jumping off furniture and landing gracefully on the ground.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

But Trinity isn’t just physically gifted. As a baby, she’s already a master of technology. She can hack into any baby monitor with ease, and she’s already proficient in coding. Who knows, she may even be able to take down the Matrix before she’s potty trained. 

The Flash

The Flash is known for his incredible speed and agility, his sharp wit, and his ability to save the day in the blink of an eye. But what would happen if we shrunk him down to baby size? Would he still be a superhero, or just a regular ol’ baby? 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

As a baby, The Flash might not be able to solve complex equations, but he could still use his intellect to outsmart his enemies. Maybe he’d set up a clever trap using his toys, or use his baby monitor to eavesdrop on his enemies’ conversations. 

Aquaman

As a baby, we bet Aquaman would still be able to communicate with sea creatures. He might even practice his dolphin sounds before learning a surface language. And if he ever needed to escape from danger, he could just swim away in his baby pool.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

All in all, while Aquaman might be smaller in size as a baby, he’d still be a king at heart. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a Baby Aquaman movie in the future, complete with adorable sea creatures and lots of splashing around.

Shaggy

In a shocking twist of events, the beloved cartoon character Shaggy from Scooby-Doo has been reimagined as a baby! Yes, you read that right—the lanky, scruffy-haired slacker we all know and love is now an adorable little bundle of joy. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

Baby Shaggy also has a love for adventure, even at his young age. He’s always crawling off to explore new places, dragging his stuffed dog along for the ride. And when he encounters anything remotely spooky, he lets out a cute little giggle instead of his usual terrified scream. 

Cable

Cable, the time-traveling cyborg from Deadpool 2, is known for his gruff demeanor, impressive fighting skills, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect the future. Now that he’s a baby, Cable will need to rely on his cuteness and charm to get what he wants.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

In fact, being a baby might give Cable some advantages he didn’t have before. For example, he could fit into tight spaces and surprise his enemies from unexpected angles. And if he needs to make a quick getaway, he could crawl away at lightning speed. 

Firefist

In a world where superhero movies are a dime a dozen, one character stands out as truly unique: Firefist, the pyrokinetic mutant from Deadpool 2. The fiery-tempered teenager is now transformed into an angsty toddler. And let us tell you; it’s a sight to behold. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

First of all, let’s talk about the obvious: as a baby, Firefist is a lot less dangerous. Instead of shooting flames out of his hands, he’s more likely to spit up on his onesie or blow bubbles with his drool. But beware; he’s still got that fiery personality.

Scooby Doo

Ruh-roh, it looks like we’ve got a case of baby fever—because everyone’s favorite Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, has been reimagined as a baby! That’s right, the lovable pup who’s been solving mysteries and scarfing down Scooby Snacks for decades is now a tiny toddler. 

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

As a baby, he’s not quite able to say “Scooby-Doo” yet, but he’s working on it. In the meantime, he’s got his own set of baby babble that’s just as endearing. And, of course, he still manages to communicate his feelings with those big, expressive puppy eyes. 

Pocahontas

Get ready to paint with all the colors of the nursery, because Pocahontas has been reimagined as a baby! The Disney princess known for her bravery, wisdom, and connection to nature is now a mini-sized, diaper-wearing infant. And let us tell you; she’s still got that same spirit of adventure.

Image Credit: @tophmagoph_/Instagram

First of all, let’s talk about Pocahontas’ signature hair. As a baby, it’s just as dark and luscious as ever. But even as a baby, she still has that wild, free-spirited nature that’s so often associated with her character. Her tiny hands reach for everything, eager to explore the world around her.