Mr. Fantasy’s viral rise continues with surprise Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade performance

Viewers watching the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade were left intrigued as Mr. Fantasy made his first live performance appearance on a float in New York City.

The viral artist, known for his eccentric persona and signature black bob hairstyle, performed his self-titled track while aboard a pirate-themed float rolling through Manhattan. Since posting his first TikTok in August, Mr. Fantasy has amassed more than one million followers, with fans drawn to both his music and mystery.

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At this point, social media has almost unanimously decided that Mr. Fantasy is Riverdale actor KJ Apa, highlighting identical tattoos and near-impossible similarities. Despite the growing consensus, he has offered no clarification, and fans arguably no longer need it. The mystique around his alter ego only seems to be fuelling the hype.

One thing is clear: KJ Apa and Mr. Fantasy have yet to be seen in the same place, at the same time.

In recent months, the musician has released a series of new tracks, including “Mr. Fantasy” and “Wayuwanna”, with another single titled “Catapult” set to be released on Friday. The parade performance marked his first official live appearance, a moment he previously said he hoped to achieve.

While performing on the pirate-themed float, Mr. Fantasy was seen climbing part of the ship’s structure mid-song, delivering a theatrical moment that quickly made its way across social media platforms.

Despite the attention surrounding his identity, Mr. Fantasy has said such speculation does not bother him. He told The Hollywood Reporter that he prefers to focus on positivity and the people who support him.

He has also hinted at possible future acting ambitions, saying he believes honesty is an essential quality for strong performances on screen.

For an artist who appeared seemingly overnight, the Thanksgiving Day Parade performance marked his most high-profile moment to date, signalling a swift rise from internet curiosity to mainstream spotlight.