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".
Accolades Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result Gotham TV Awards Breakthrough Comedy Series Julio Torres, Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Olivia Gerke, Alex Bach, and Daniel Powell Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Series Julio Torres Independent Spirit Awards Best New Scripted Series Julio Torres, Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Olivia Gerke, Alex Bach, and Daniel Powell Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series Julio Torres Peabody Awards Entertainment HBO in association with Irony Point, Fruit Tree, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Space Prince Inc. Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie Fantasmas Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie Julio Torres
References
External links