A familiar figure will once again patrol the skies of New York City this Thanksgiving. Spider-Man, one of the most popular characters to figure in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will appear for the first time in a decade as a new balloon. The new balloon is modeled on the designs of legendary artist John Romita Sr.
“Ever since Marvel Comics #1 hit stands in 1939, Marvel’s home has always been New York,” stated Chris Fondacaro, Head of Marvel Franchise. “When the opportunity to work with Macy’s came about to bring one of our most iconic characters back to one of the most emblematic events of New York City, we knew this was the perfect fit for Spidey and our brand’s legacy.”
“Fans will be delighted to see Spider-Man swinging back into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” added Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome everyone’s favorite web-slinger to this year’s spectacular balloon lineup. Just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Spider-Man is a true New York City icon.”
The new Spider-Man balloon design may be viewed in full below.
(Image Source: Marvel)
Marvel Comics and Macy’s have a long history of partnering together for the annual parade. Obviously, as Marvel’s flagship hero, Spider-Man has played a key role in that partnership. The Web-Swinger first appeared in the parade in 1981 as actor Scott Leva walked the parade route and acrobatically posed for pictures. Spidey then got his balloon in 1987, which appeared annually until 1998.
A new balloon premiered in 2009. This one sported a more modern look based on the then-recent film adaptions. However, it was retired in 2014.
The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024. It will air exclusively on NBC and stream on Peacock in the United States.