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.

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

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
 * 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

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.

Critical reception
On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 87 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".