# Matured Childhood Cartoon characters are given adult makeovers that reinforce reality. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 3, 2014, updated Jan 9, 2014 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/matured-childhood ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Matured Childhood trend? **Matured Childhood:** While cartoon characters used to remain untouched by time, realistic makeovers bring them into the present and provide further tangibility for consumers that long for childhood nostalgia. Negating Peter Pan syndrome, grown up cartoons acknowledge reality and reinforce that childhood doesn't have to end, but can rather grow with them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 11 to Sep 11, 2013 - Published: Jan 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Matured Childhood trend ### Nostalgic Character Upgrades Realistic makeovers of cartoon and fairy tale characters provide further tangibility for consumers that long for childhood nostalgia. ### Fashionable Cartoon Characters Re-imagining beloved cartoons and fairy tale characters as fashionable helps bring youthfulness to classic characters. ### Adult Re-Imaginings of Cartoons Nostalgic remembrances of childhood cartoons are given a mature update, showing what favorite characters would look like as adults. ## What the Matured Childhood trend means for industry ### For Entertainment Entertainment companies can explore partnerships and collaborations to modernize beloved characters and reach a wider audience. ### For Fashion Fashion companies can incorporate beloved cartoon and fairy tale characters into their designs to add a playful, nostalgic touch to their collections. ### For Art Artists can re-imagine classic characters to engage their audience, evoke nostalgia, and showcase their creativity and talent. ## Trend signals for Matured Childhood Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 87%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 87% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Matured Childhood trend 5 featured examples from Jan 11 to Sep 11, 2013. - [Fairytale College Student Cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-school-students): 'Disney University' Takes Classic Characters Back to School (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The entertainment industry can take advantage of the trend by creating new properties or updating classic ones in order to appeal to new and existing audiences, potentially increa… - [Nostalgic Aged Cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grown-up-cartoon-characters): These Grown Up Cartoon Characters Bring Back Child-Like Memories (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Potential for animation studios to create spin-off series or movies that depict cartoon characters as adults. - [Cartoon Couture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jerome-lamaar): Jerome Lamaar Takes Cartoon Characters Into the New Century (Category: Fashion) Implication: Incorporating popular cartoon characters into high-end fashion brands can attract new customers and generate brand collaborations. - [Matured Kid Cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grown-up-magic-school-bus-characters): Grown Up Magic School Bus Characters are Full-Fledged Adults (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for production companies to develop new animated series or films featuring popular characters from childhood with mature storylines. - [Designer-Dressed 90s Cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/90s-cartoon-character-outfits): Michele Moricci Fashionably Updates 90s Cartoon Character Outfits (Category: Fashion) Implication: Providing opportunities for collaborations between fashion designers and media companies to revive beloved cartoon characters in a fashionable way. ## Recent trend clusters - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Borrowing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/soft-drink-flavor-mashups) (Lifestyle) - [Silent Triage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/passive-health-wearables) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)