If you’ve been on social media—especially X—you’ve likely come across anime-style recreations of famous photographs, all rendered in the whimsical, colorful aesthetic of Studio Ghibli. From political figures like Donald Trump to iconic historical moments like the “Tank Man” from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, users are generating and sharing these AI-created images at a staggering rate.
Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o Model
This viral trend is fueled by OpenAI’s latest update to its GPT-4o model, which introduces native image generation. Unlike previous versions that required routing image requests through the separate DALL·E 3 model, GPT-4o is an “omni” model, trained to process text, code, and images directly. This allows it to seamlessly generate visuals based on prompts, making it faster and more efficient.
In addition to text-based image generation, GPT-4o can also accept uploads of existing images and transform them into new styles. Users can now take a photo—say, of themselves and friends—and request a Studio Ghibli-style rendering with impressive results.
How to Generate Studio Ghibli-Style Images
To try it out:
- Visit ChatGPT.com and log in with a Plus, Pro, or Team account.
- Ensure GPT-4o is selected as the active model.
- Click the “+” button in the text box to upload an image.
- Enter a prompt like “Make this image in the style of a Studio Ghibli animation.”
- Watch as ChatGPT processes and delivers your anime-style creation.
The tool even supports multiple images, allowing users to blend different elements into a single AI-generated piece.
Delayed Rollout for Free Users
Originally, OpenAI planned to extend this feature to free-tier users. However, due to overwhelming demand from paying subscribers, CEO Sam Altman announced a delay, stating on X:
“Images in ChatGPT are wayyy more popular than we expected (and we had pretty high expectations). Rollout to our free tier is unfortunately going to be delayed for a while.”
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Artists
While AI enthusiasts are embracing the tool, not everyone is thrilled. Studio Ghibli’s legendary creator Hayao Miyazaki has previously expressed strong disapproval of AI-generated art. In a widely shared 2016 documentary clip, he reacted with disgust to an early OpenAI animation demo.
Additionally, questions remain about copyright and ethics, as OpenAI’s training data is undisclosed. Though mimicking an artistic style is generally legal, some Ghibli fans argue that using AI to replicate the studio’s signature look undermines traditional artistry.
Despite controversies, OpenAI’s new image generation feature is a hit, sparking creativity and conversation. Whether this trend will fade or lead to broader AI-powered artistic innovation remains to be seen.
