While a lot of fans simply can't wait to see The Peanuts Movie, many have wondered where one particular character has been hiding. Certainly a fan favorite, Franklin has been scarce in the month's leading up to the animated family comedy's big debut this November. But now we know why! It's because Franklin is such a special member of the Peanuts family, he's getting a whole day devoted to himself, which comes with a cool TV spot and two pieces of promotional art.

Yes! Today is National Franklin Day! Today, Peanuts celebrates the 47th Anniversary of Franklin, its first African-American character! Harriet Glickman, a school teacher, wrote a letter to the comic strip's creator Charles M. Schulz following the death of Martin Luther King. She urged him that an African American character needed to be added to the popular comic strip. "Franklin Armstrong" was introduced on July 31, 1968, representing the importance of desegregation.

20th Century Fox and Blue Sky hope that friends of Peanuts will share socially about this wonderful and culturally significant moment. We're sharing the social graphics in celebration of #FranklinDay, along with the very funny TV spot which puts Franklin at the center of attention. What makes the TV spot so special is that this is Franklin's very first appearance on screen since 1999! That's a long time for any member of Peanuts to stay away, don't you think?

Throughout the years, there have been over 19 different actors who have brought Franklin to life in various TV specials and animated series over the years. In The Peanuts Movie, the character will be voiced by newcomer Mar Mar, who is making is own big screen debut. As you'll see in the TV spot, and even some of the past holiday specials, Franklin is an excellent dancer. And he can breakdance better than anyone in the whole of New York City! Ice Hockey is Franklin's favorite sport, one which we'll get to see him play on the big screen after he's shown off his talents over the many years in the original comic strip. And, most interesting fact of all, Franklin, not Linus, is Charlie Brown's best friend. As you'll see in the new art below, Charlie and Franklin first met on the beach way back in 1968, with a beach ball bringing their fates together.

Franklin isn't the only one getting in on all the fun this Holiday, though! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang make their big-screen debut, like they've never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world's most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, The Peanuts Movie will prove that every underdog has his day. Even Franklin!