Illumination’s ‘Migration’ Takes Flight in Macy’s Parade

Illumination, creators of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Minions,” “Despicable Me,” “Sing” and “The Secret Life of Pets” films, will introduce a new character to the New York City skies this Thanksgiving. On Thursday, Nov. 23, a towering balloon of “Migration” character, Uncle Dan, an adventure-averse duck holding a gigantic submarine sandwich, will take wing for the first time in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The massive balloon, 32 feet long, 20 feet wide and 37 feet tall, is the equivalent size of a flock of almost 14,000 migrating mallard ducks in flight.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Uncle Dan join in on the fun and take flight in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” says Jordan Dabby, producer, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “I know spectators in New York City and viewers across the country will be delighted to see Uncle Dan fly down the streets of New York City with his sandwich in tow this November.”

“We’re thrilled to introduce Uncle Dan and the entire Mallard family to audiences everywhere this holiday season,” says Chris Meledandri, founder, chief executive officer, Illumination. “The family vacation is such a universal experience of discovery, laughter, misadventure and wonder for families all over the world, so there’s simply no better place for ‘Migration’ to take flight than at the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which brings holiday joy to tens of millions of families every year.”

The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock on Thursday, Nov. 23. Check local listings for details.