New episodes of Fantastico Disasterpiece Theatre are coming to Troma Now August 1. A retired masked luchador and his demonic French Canadian possessed piñata (that’s very specific!) attempt to co-exist as they host Troma films and interview special guests in Fantastico Disasterpiece Theatre. One season of the show is currently streaming exclusively on Troma Entertainment’s Troma Now! streaming app after three years on YouTube. As the masked luchador prepares for a triumphant second season of horror and slapstick, we thought we’d shine a light on some highlights to look out for.
The second season allowed Turnpaugh to evolve the show and tackle something personally important to him. “We plan to create an amalgam of the past slapstick style, late-night horror host element with a darker narrative that touches upon real-life issues, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, abandonment, and CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). With this season, we’d really like to bring attention to these very important issues that, honestly, I don’t feel get the proper acknowledgment. Troma is known for films with underlying messages. This fits perfectly with what they do. I’m not used to making serious stuff, and this season will hit pretty close to home.”
Turnpaugh, a disabled war veteran and former regional independent professional wrestler, who is known under the moniker of “Gringo Fantastico” is a survivor of PTSD. “You know for a while it was very difficult. I didn’t understand what was wrong with me. I couldn’t function properly in an everyday environment. I hit rock bottom there for a little while. After learning more about it, I was able to kind of understand it. One of the hardest parts of PTSD is that most people close to you have no idea how to handle you. It’s not their fault. How could they know? Anywho, once I discovered filmmaking, I was able to harness my creative endeavors, which really helped bring me back to the land of the living.”
Season two guests include Toby Poser, John Adams, and Lulu Adams of Adams Family Films (Hellbender, The Deeper You Dig), Jonah Ray Rodrigues (Mystery Science Theatre 3000), C. Robert Cargill (Writer; Doctor Strange, The Black Phone), Brendan Petrizzo, Ophidian (Former Chikara Wrestler), Lloyd Kaufman, and more.
You can stream season one now, the eight-episode second season kicks off August 1 with a brand new episode every first of the month.You can also find Lloyd Kauffman’s Make Your Own Damn Movie! Volumes 1-6, the Witchcraft collection, Cannibal! The Musical and more Troma goodness streaming on the platform.
