Spider-Man stole the spotlight during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, just as James Gunn shared exciting James Gunn DC Studios updates for fans online. Both Marvel and DC heroes were celebrated today, reflecting the enthusiasm and support surrounding these major superhero franchises as the end of the year approaches.
Spider-Man’s Bold Appearance Marks a Celebratory Time for the Hero
The iconic superhero Spider-Man was a standout at this year’s parade, with his float capturing attention along the parade route in New York City. This comes at a fitting moment for the character, as momentum builds with the approaching release of Amazing Spider-Man #1000 and anticipation for next year’s theatrical debut of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Fans also have Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2 arriving soon on Disney+, promising more animated adventures.
Looking ahead, excitement continues to grow with Sony Pictures Animation preparing to deliver Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Additionally, speculation is mounting over a possible Avengers: Secret Wars reunion, potentially bringing together Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield for a team-up event that fans have long awaited.
James Gunn Expresses Thanks and Shares DC Studios Updates
While Spider-Man took center stage in New York, DC Studios also captured attention thanks to co-CEO James Gunn’s messages to fans. Gunn paid tribute to Superman’s legacy at the parade, stating,
First Superman float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, 1940. Today I’m grateful for all the fans out there who have supported all of us at DC Studios over the past three years (!)
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO. He continued,
This job is fun in and of itself, telling new stories with some of the world’s most iconic characters – but you make it all the better with your love, support, laughter and insights. Thank you!
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO.
The DC Universe had a notable year, with early projections positioning Superman as the top-grossing superhero film of 2025. Despite some mixed reactions from fans, the critically acclaimed second season of Peacemaker premiered on HBO Max in August, further boosting DC Studios’ reputation.
Upcoming Highlights for Both Marvel and DC Studios
The superhero genre shows no sign of slowing down, as the next few years will bring several major releases. DC Studios is preparing for 2026 premieres including Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface. Production is also set to start soon on Man of Tomorrow and The Batman Part II, keeping classic characters like Clark Kent and Gotham’s vigilante in focus.
On the Marvel side, Destin Daniel Cretton will direct Spider-Man: Brand New Day, working from a script by franchise writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. The cast features Tom Holland as Spider-Man, joined by Jon Bernthal as The Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Zendaya as MJ, Sadie Sink, Michael Mando as The Scorpion, Tramell Tillman, Marvin Jones III as Tombstone, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, and Liza Colón-Zayas. Expected to reprise her Thunderbolts role, Florence Pugh may also appear as Yelena Belova.
For DC’s Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn takes on writing and directing duties, with David Corenswet suiting up as Clark Kent/Superman. The ensemble includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026, while DC’s Man of Tomorrow will follow on July 9, 2027.
A Thriving Era for Superhero Franchises
This Thanksgiving, the celebrations in New York City and online updates from DC Studios reveal just how passionate audiences remain about their superheroes. The shared excitement from figures like James Gunn, alongside major projects involving Spider-Man, Clark Kent, Zendaya, and others, signals that the world of comics and cinematic universes will remain center stage in the years ahead.
