KPop Demon Hunters Balloons to Make a Grand Appearance at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, the selection of giant inflatables for the 99th annual Thanksgiving parade in New York City has been unveiled. Fans of the animated hit KPop Demon Hunters have a special reason to celebrate, as beloved characters Sussie and Derpy Tiger are set to appear as giant balloons.

This famous event takes place each year in the heart of New York, featuring an impressive variety of inflatable figures from various pop-culture franchises. Past participants have included characters ranging from SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo to anime favorites like Dragon Ball and One Piece.

Meet the Mascots: Sussie and Derpy Tiger

Derpy Tiger and Sussie are featured in the hit animated show KPop Demon Hunters. In the story, Huntr/x is a popular musical act by day and a team of demon slayers by night, harnessing their musical power to repair the Honmoon and protect the human world from invading demons. Similar to the show's main heroes and rivals, Derpy and Sussie have won the hearts of viewers everywhere and are expected to be a memorable highlight for families and fans alike during the parade.

An Incredible Year for KPop Demon Hunters

It's no exaggeration to say that 2025 has been the year of KPop Demon Hunters. The Sony Animation production has risen to number one as the most-watched film on Netflix, received 5 Grammy nominations, and the singing stars behind the main characters—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey's voice actors—recently performed on a popular television program, presenting a breathtaking Honmoon-worthy act.

Adding to the excitement, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are also scheduled to perform live during the Thanksgiving Day festivities. Audiences can anticipate a show-stopping musical number from the group.

Future Plans for the Franchise?

An upcoming sequel, KPop Demon Hunters 2, is said to be in the works, with a expected debut in 2029. While it's a long wait, the widespread love for the original film suggests that audiences are eager for a sequel that lives up to the original success. For now, everyone can look forward to the incredible inflatable versions of Derpy Tiger and Sussie at the upcoming Thanksgiving parade.

Don't miss the full gallery of images below to see the balloons up close!
Chelsea Ortega
Chelsea Ortega

Award-winning film critic with over a decade of experience covering international cinema and festival circuits.