Move over, FaceApp. There is a new way to look back at the passing of time, and it’s officially taking over our social media feeds.
Digital artist Ard Gelinck is going viral on Instagram for his “Time Travel” series, a collection of flawlessly edited photos that place today’s biggest A-listers right next to their younger selves. The result? A nostalgic trip down memory lane that has fans—and even some celebrities—doing a total double-take.
From Hollywood legends like George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio to action stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Gelinck’s work captures the evolution of fame in a way that feels incredibly intimate.
One of the standout favorites currently lighting up the comments section features Harry Potter icons Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe. The edits show the polished, “all grown up” stars standing protectively next to their “dorky and gawky” childhood selves from the early days of the Wizarding World.
For many fans, seeing the transition from The Sorcerer’s Stone to the present day is a bittersweet reminder of how much time has passed since we first boarded the Hogwarts Express.
But the magic doesn’t stop in the halls of Hogwarts. Gelinck has spent years perfecting hundreds of these pieces, often finding the perfect “match” in posture and lighting to make it look like a genuine red-carpet moment between past and present.
Take, for instance, the portrait of Keanu Reeves. The internet’s favorite boyfriend looks effortlessly cool next to his younger, Bill & Ted era self. Or the heartwarming shot of Neil Patrick Harris posing alongside his younger ego, Doogie Howser, M.D.
Fans are also losing it over the “too adorable” inclusion of The Sixth Sense star Haley Joel Osment, whose transformation from a wide-eyed child star to a bearded adult is the definition of a “glow-up.”
While some internet critics have pointed out that a few of the earlier edits in the massive collection might be a bit “shoddy” compared to his newer work, the consensus is clear: the nostalgia factor is off the charts. For every minor Photoshop quirk, there is a masterpiece—like the Will Smith or Michael J. Fox portraits—that absolutely knocks it out of the park.
Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just someone looking for a reason to smile this Monday morning, Gelinck’s Instagram is the ultimate rabbit hole. Just be warned: you might find yourself scrolling for hours, your “hard horror heart all aflutter” at the sight of these icons meeting their pasts.
The internet is collectively giving Gelinck a well-deserved slow clap for the effort. It’s not just art; it’s a beautiful, slightly trippy reminder of where our favorite stars started—and how far they’ve come.
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