How to Turn Photos Into Viral Action Figures by Using ChatGPT

By

Kate Nalepinski is a Newsweek journalist based in New York City. Kate joined Newsweek in May 2024. She is a graduate of Ithaca College.

Kate Nalepinski

Digital Media Journalist

Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

As generative AI continues to evolve, social media users are leveraging tools like ChatGPT and image generators to transform selfies into stylized “action figure” portraits, often encased in digital “Barbie Box”-style packaging.

By combining custom prompts written in ChatGPT, users can render themselves as cartoonish superheroes, dolls and more, sealed behind plastic packs. The results are virally shareable.

Action Figure ‘Barbie Box’ Trend Explained

The latest wave in AI art generation builds off the enduring popularity of the “Barbiecore” aesthetic. This time, users aim to capture the toylike stylization of boxed action figures, complete with accessories.

The imagery evokes the glossy, posed commercial feel of 1990s and 2000s action figure advertisements—often with logos, taglines and imagined character stats. The style connects with interest in retro toys and parallels a recent trend where people used AI to turn themselves into Studio Ghibli-inspired artwork.

Instructions: How to Create Action Figure-Inspired Images

1. Start with a ChatGPT Prompt:
   Open ChatGPT with image generation enabled (available in ChatGPT Plus and Pro plans only) and write a prompt like:
   “Generate an image of a person styled as a futuristic action figure in a plastic toy box, with bold colors, accessories, and dramatic lighting. Include the phrases ‘Collectible Edition’ and ‘Hero Mode Activated’ on the packaging.” Users can personalize the prompt by describing features, aesthetic or desired theme—such as space explorer, fantasy warrior or tech ninja.
2. Upload Your Photo (Suggested):
   With ChatGPT’s image tools, users can upload a reference photo or selfie to better guide the visual output. A high-resolution image is recommended. Use the chat to tell the AI what elements of the photo should be retained, such as hair color, outfit or pose.
3. Review and Regenerate as Needed:
   ChatGPT will produce an image based on the prompt. If the result isn’t as desired, tweak the description directly in the chat—for example, by adjusting the background, adding accessories or changing the packaging design.
4. Add Text and Effects (Within ChatGPT):
   Ask ChatGPT to generate images with text elements embedded, such as toy labels, logo names or fictional stats. Users can prompt it with lines like: “Include the text ‘Galactic Defender’ and a power rating chart on the side of the box.”
5. Download and Share:
   Download the image directly and post it on preferred social media platforms as desired.

Who Popularized the Action Figure Trend?

While no single creator is behind the movement, the trend gained steam in early 2025. TikTok users have showcased the boxed avatars in videos, with some using the hashtag #BarbieBoxChallenge.

As generative AI tools become even more accessible, the action figure version of you might just be one prompt away.

Slide Circle to Vote

No
Moderately
Yes

VOTE