If you were watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday morning and did a double-take at a certain pirate-clad performer, you weren’t alone. Mr Fantasy, a TikTok star and musician, was one of the standout performers at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, delivering a theatrical spectacle that instantly sent social media into overdrive.
Riding aboard the Jolly Polly Pirate Ship float, Mr Fantasy appeared dressed in full pirate garb, debuting his new song “Catapult”. His performance wasn’t exactly low-key either. The mysterious artist was seen dancing across the Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, gyrating, climbing the ladder, and fully committing to his larger-than-life persona. Decked out in green sunglasses and complete pirate captain attire, Mr Fantasy brought his signature theatrical flair to one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions.
So who exactly is this eccentric character who just made his first-ever live performance debut on national television? The British-accented singer is actually 28-year-old New Zealand-born Riverdale actor KJ Apa, who gets into character by dressing like a Seventies-style rockstar, complete with false teeth and a fringed bob wig. Though neither Mr Fantasy nor KJ Apa has officially confirmed they’re the same person, fans have done the detective work themselves, pointing out identical tattoos and striking similarities.
The Mr Fantasy persona has been taking TikTok by storm. Mr Fantasy has only been on TikTok since August, yet he has already gained one million followers and gone viral with his funk-inflected pop sound and utterly unique aesthetic. His catalog currently includes two released songs—the self-titled “Mr Fantasy” and “Wayuwanna”—with “Catapult” marking his third single drop.
When asked about the constant comparisons to KJ Apa, Mr. Fantasy said at the time: “Not bothered by it, not bothered by it”. He’s choosing to focus instead on the music and the growing fanbase rallying behind his quirky character.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance marked a significant milestone for the viral sensation. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter earlier, Mr Fantasy had expressed interest in performing live, and Thursday’s parade made that dream a reality. Mr. Fantasy said that his music journey began with his grandmother, who encouraged him to pursue his dream.
He also shared his thoughts on what drew him to pursue music in America: “I decided to come to Los Angeles and make it like so many people do, because America is this place, this magical place, where somehow, for some reason, you can be completely who you want to be”.
The internet’s reaction to Mr Fantasy’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance was swift and enthusiastic. Within minutes, timelines were filled with disbelief, delight, and a whole lot of questions as the parade’s family-friendly pomp collided with a slice of Gen Z internet lore. For the chronically online crowd, it was a delightful surprise to see their favorite TikTok character infiltrate such a mainstream, traditional event.
Following his parade appearance, Mr Fantasy took to social media to express his gratitude. In a TikTok post, he wrote about the experience, saying the smiles of parade-goers were contagious and their souls magnetic. He also announced plans for a YouTube live stream to premiere the music video for “Catapult.”
