James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, offered a heartfelt James Gunn Superman tribute this Thanksgiving, commemorating a legendary moment from American pop culture by sharing his gratitude for comic book fans. On Thursday, Gunn posted on X a nostalgic image depicting the very first Superman float from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1940, celebrating both the holiday and the annual parade tradition.
“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
Gunn acknowledged the three years of ongoing support from fans since the start of his tenure at DC Studios, highlighting the role of readers and viewers in shaping his work.
Expressing Thanks to Comic Book Supporters and the Power of Storytelling
In his post, Gunn extended his appreciation to the global community of superhero enthusiasts, reflecting on the joy embedded in creating new adventures for beloved characters such as Superman, Clark Kent, and Lex Luthor.
“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,”
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO
James Gunn’s passion for storytelling is evident, especially following the recent success of the DC Universe film Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. Gunn both directed and wrote this entry, marking a pivotal chapter for DC Studios, and is already preparing for a sequel called Man of Tomorrow. This upcoming film will see Corenswet return as Clark Kent and Nicholas Hoult reprise his role as Lex Luthor, while also introducing Brainiac as the latest villain in the expanding cinematic universe.
The Superman Legacy in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
The original Superman balloon made its debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 1940, a moment that remains deeply tied to the superhero’s legacy. However, this year’s parade, which featured 34 giant balloons, did not include a Superman balloon. Instead, the only comic book superhero to make an appearance was Marvel’s Spider-Man. The 2025 celebration also paid homage to contemporary icons, such as Mario, Pac-Man, Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, and Derpy Tiger from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, highlighting the ongoing influence of video game and movie characters in popular culture.
“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 (!) This job is fun in and of itself, telling new stories with some of the world’s most iconic… pic.twitter.com/3tTUsd86jX”
— James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO
Upcoming DC Studios Projects and Star Performers Highlight Parade Festivities
While fans awaited signs of Superman at this year’s parade, attention at DC Studios turns to future releases. Superman is currently available on HBO Max, with Man of Tomorrow scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 9, 2027. In advance of that, there are two films planned for 2026: Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, and Clayface, directed by James Watkins, promising new chapters for DC Universe audiences.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade also featured several notable performances. Celebrities such as Meg Donnelly, Teyana Taylor, Conan Gray, Cynthia Erivo, and Darlene Love added to the festivities on stage, while the collaboration of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami brought the fictional girl group Huntr/X from KPop Demon Hunters to life, performing their song Golden.
The Lasting Influence of Superman and Comic Book Culture
The absence of the Superman balloon at this year’s parade did not diminish the hero’s cultural relevance, especially as leaders like James Gunn continue to acknowledge and celebrate Superman’s lasting legacy. Through ongoing projects starring David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult, the Superman mythos remains central to DC Studios’ storytelling vision, inspiring both longtime readers and new audiences. As anticipation builds for Man of Tomorrow and other future releases, Gunn’s tribute serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between creative teams and devoted fans, ensuring that Superman’s spirit continues to soar for generations to come.
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 (!) This job is fun in and of itself, telling new stories with some of the world's most iconic… pic.twitter.com/3tTUsd86jX
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 27, 2025
