Ever since the movie Up premiered, we’ve wondered what Carl and Russell’s balloon-propelled journey might have been like IRL!

For most of us, snagging some Up-inspired merchandise is probably the closest we’ll get to recreating the flight of Carl, Russell, and Dug. What can we say, we generally prefer our air travel to be FAA-approved! But even though we don’t plan to fly our house to Paradise Falls any time soon, performer David Blaine’s latest stunt is giving us some SERIOUS Up vibes!

David Blaine is known for his extreme stunts, but his most recent performance really took things to a new level — literally! Earlier this week, Blaine completed his latest stunt, which he calls “Ascension.” And it turns out, that’s an incredibly fitting title for this performance!

On Wednesday morning, Blaine embarked on a flight above the Arizona desert, lifted only by colorful balloons! To be fair, these aren’t the same “standard” balloons that Carl Fredricksen would have acquired for his journey. The latex, helium-filled balloons Blaine used could be deflated or popped remotely, and one “balloon” made of fiberglass held a parachute and oxygen. In other words, don’t try this at home!

Blaine reached a height of nearly 25,000 feet (or 4.7 miles!!) before ejecting himself from the balloons and parachuting to the ground. Here’s a look at his incredible flight!

 

 

Blaine said his flight was actually inspired by the 1956 French film The Red Balloon — but we still think he’d make it as an honorary Wilderness Explorer!

Did you watch David Blaine’s balloon flight?? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!