'Fantasmas' Is a Celebrity-Filled Surrealist Experience You Won't Want to Miss
This psychedelic trip of a TV show from the mind of Julio Torres has had more celebrity appearances in three episodes than some have in a season.
Julio Torres, known for his work writing for SNL and starring in Problemista, has hit the satirical jackpot with his newest endeavor, Fantasmas, now streaming on Max. The title, which is the Spanish word for ghosts, perfectly encompasses this spooky, surrealist show. Visual artist Martine Gutierrez stars opposite Torres, nearly stealing the show as the lovable, and perfectly styled, assistant Vanesja. The half-Salvadorian director and star has written a masterpiece and, to make it even better, has cast an array of excitingly familiar faces.
From lovable character actors like Steve Buscemi to cultural and fashion icons like Julia Fox, Fantasmas keeps the surprises coming. If you've been wondering who all these eerily familiar faces are, L'OFFICIEL has you covered with a comprehensive rundown of every guest appearance.
Tilda Swinton
Everyone's favorite eccentric blonde queen is back and voicing none other than... toilet water. In episode three of Fantasmas, when Julio fears he's flushed a valuable earing down the toilet, he harnesses his Aquarius powers to communicate with it. Swinton brings her signature ethereal presence to this role, the most iconic toilet water of all time.
Julia Fox
She was Josh Safdie's muse when he wrote Uncut Gems, and now Julia Fox has a new role as Mrs. Claus in episode three of Fantasmas. Her chronically online version of St. Nick's wife is as vain as she is hysterically funny. Her signature vocal fry and practiced judgment, as seen in OMG Fashun, are in full effect.
Paul Dano
Star of stage and screen, and most recently known for playing the Riddler in The Batman, Paul Dano joins the cast of Fantasmas in a role not dissimilar to his father in The Fablemans. The patriarch of a parody sitcom family, Dano's character falls in love with a pink alien named MELF, and the rest is history.
Alexa Demie
Known for her breakout role as Maddie in HBO's Euphoria, Alexa Demie is an absolute powerhouse who joins Fantasmas in her most daring role yet: an insurance saleswoman. "God, I love insurance" is her motto, and she truly does—as her blunt bob and power suit suggest.
Steve Buscemi
You know him from Fargo, Reservoir Dogs, and, of course, Grown Ups, but this time around, Steve Buscemi is taking on a unique role. In Fantasmas, he plays the goth, creative, personification of the letter Q. The loneliest letter in the alphabet, Q stands out from the rest, a perfect role for one of the most prolific character actors of all time.
Ziwe
Known for her high-brow interviewing techniques and charming wit, Ziwe's skills are put to work as a flight agency customer service rep and Alexa Demie's arch nemesis. When she asks for Alexa Demie's "specific reference number," all hell breaks loose, and a sexually charged battle begins.
Kim Petras
A pop icon and trans-trailblazer, Kim Petras, joins the cast of Fantasmas as an iridescent and appropriately platinum-blonde Mermaid. The "Unholy" singer, who recently began a worldwide tour, has made her acting debut, and it certainly is not a performance to miss.
Bowen Yang
SNL staple and co-host of the "Las Culturistas" podcast Bowen Yang brings a comedic take to his Fanatsmas role as—you definitely didn't guess it—an elf! The elf who is suing Santa for not paying him is a shady, sarcastic, yet lovable character; Bowen Yang, as expected, nails it.
Aidy Bryant
Another esteemed SNL alumn, Aidy Bryant steps into the role of toilet saleswoman in episode three of Fantasmas. Hysterically funny and expertly satirical, Bryant embodies the role of the Marie Claire meets Mr. Clean saleswoman extraordinaire.
