On occasion of the release of Netflix's latest blockbuster Original Series, The Umbrella Academy, a GIANT umbrella (over 12 metres wide and six metres high; with a handle measuring 14 metres long) appeared overnight on the sands of Merewether Beach, Newcastle.

Internationally acclaimed Australian artist and designer James Dive, who has also worked on the Sydney Sculptures By The Sea, was commissioned to realise the large-scale installation bespoke to the Newcastle beach from Thursday 21 – 24 February. This is to celebrate Hollywood coming to Newcastle to celebrate one of the biggest series to launch on Netflix this year.

Starring Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, Robert Sheehan and Mary J. Blige and adapted from the cult comic book series created by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance; co-executive producer of the series), The Umbrella Academy tells the story of a dysfunctional family of superheroes who are reunited following the death of their adopted father when a sibling's safety is jeopardised as the apocalypse looms large.

The installation offers visitors the perfect chance for the ultimate selfie alongside merchandise giveaways (super-themed beach towels in branded tote bags also containing beach essentials) to celebrate the final weekend of summer.

The Umbrella Academy
Now streaming on Netflix here

On the same day in 1989, forty-three infants are inexplicably born to random, unconnected women who showed no signs of pregnancy the day before. Seven are adopted by a billionaire who creates The Umbrella Academy and prepares his "children" to save the world. Now, the six surviving members reunite upon the news of their father's passing and must work together to solve a mystery surrounding his death. But the estranged family begins to come apart due to their divergent personalities and abilities, not to mention the imminent threat of a global apocalypse. The Umbrella Academy is based on the comic book series created and written by Gerard Way, illustrated by Gabriel Bá, and published by Dark Horse Comics. The show is produced by Universal Cable Productions for Netflix, with Steve Blackman serving as executive producer and showrunner, and additional EPs Jeff F. King, Mike Richardson, Keith Goldberg, Gerard Way, and Gabriel Bá.