Fantasmas (TV series)

Fantasmas is an American surrealist comedy television series created, directed, and written by Julio Torres, who also stars in it. It follows Torres on the search for a golden oyster earring, and the people he encounters on the way.

It had its world premiere at the ATX Television Festival on May 30, 2024. It premiered on June 7, 2024, on HBO. The series also won a 2024 Peabody Award.

Premise

Julio Torres goes on the search through New York City, for a golden oyster earring, encountering people along the way.

Cast and characters

Main

Julio Torres as himself
Martine Gutierrez as Vanesja
Tomas Matos as Chester
Joe Rumrill as the voice of Bibo

Supporting

Eudora Peterson as Amina Roberts, a teacher
Bowen Yang as Dodo, an elf from Santa's workshop
Greta Titelman as Gina, an aspiring actress
Ikechukwu Ufomadu and Sydnee Washington as Oscar and Vicky, siblings running a business together
Michael Graceffa as Derrrick, a fitness instructor
Spike Einbinder as Carl, a superhero fan
Bernardo Velasco as Edwin, a food delivery worker
Ana Fabrega as Trish, an actress

Guest

Jaboukie Young-White as Skyler, an influencer
Paul Dano and Sunita Mani as a sitcom husband and wife
Steve Buscemi as Q
Evan Mock as Z
Alexa Demie as Becca, a customer service rep for an insurance company
Ziwe Fumudoh as a customer service rep for an airline
Dominique Jackson as the Algorithm
Julia Fox as Mrs. Claus
Aidy Bryant as Denise, a saleswoman for toilet dresses
John Early, Aaron Jackson, and Josh Sharp as the voices of hamsters
Kim Petras and Princess Nokia as mermaids
Tilda Swinton as the voice of water
Kate Berlant as a theme park superhero actor
Tommy Dorfman as a commercial director
Dylan O'Brien as Dustin, one of Vanesja's clients
Amy Sedaris as Vanesja's former art teacher
Natasha Lyonne as Suzanna, a Zappos executive
Patti Harrison as the voice of a goldfish named Deedra
Sam Taggart as Bryce, assistant to Deedra the goldfish
Rachel Dratch, Cole Escola, Rosie Perez, and Emma Stone as cast members of the reality show The True Women of New York
James Scully as the producer of The True Women of New York

Episodes

Production

Development

In February 2022, it was announced that Julio Torres would write, direct, executive produce, and star in the series for HBO, with Emma Stone and Dave McCary set to produce under their Fruit Tree banner. In December 2022, HBO greenlit the series.

Casting

In April 2024, it was announced Martine, Joe Rumrill, Julia Fox, Ziwe, Alexa Demie, Steve Buscemi and Kim Petras would appear in recurring and guest roles.

Reception

Critical reception

On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 84 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".