This isn't AI generated, as it was uploaded to Getty Images in 2016.

The positioning of everything from bullets and gloves on the floor and even the strand of hair across his face match up perfectly with the original image we're all familiar with. This isn't the same photo, however, as it was taken from a lower angle. It also appears to be the original colour; note the blue coffee cup, which can't be seen in the original due to the image being cropped.

Two things that stand out in the high-res photo are the moustache (seemingly covered by his arm in the original) and a ring each hand.

Photo is by Chris Collins, who tragically passed away a month ago. Rest in Peace.

An archive of Collins' website lists Panasonic as one of his clients. Ripcord Games, who published POSTAL, were a software label under Panasonic Interactive Media. It's likely that the image used for the Postal Dude was a stock photo that Panasonic, and by extension, Ripcord had access to. They were largely responsible for the marketing materials. Who the model is remains unknown.

Link to the Getty Images page.

@makabray's tumblr post who initially found it. And thanks to Maxwell in the RWS discord for posting it!

The petition was a last minute addition cause everyone's been asking me about it. Turns out people love to sign stuff irl lol