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How El Eternauta Recreated a Deadly Snowstorm in Buenos Aires
What if the end of the world didn’t start in New York or Tokyo, but in Buenos Aires, during a card game, in a quiet suburban home, while strange snow began to fall outside? That’s the premise of El Eternauta, Netflix’s bold new adaptation of the legendary Argentine comic by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López.
When the show premiered, it didn’t take long to capture national attention. Online conversations exploded, fan theories took over social media, and Netflix quickly confirmed a second season. But behind the buzz lies a massive production effort, arguably one of the most technically complex projects ever made in Argentina.
From digitally recreating entire neighborhoods to building their own artificial snow system, the team behind El Eternauta went above and beyond to bring this apocalyptic tale to life. Here’s how they achieved it and a closer look at the cast who helped bring it to the screen.
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Reimagining Buenos Aires: Behind the scenes
Filming a science-fiction series set in modern-day Argentina, amidst a perilous alien snowfall, required an unprecedented level of planning and technology rarely seen in Latin American productions. The creative and technical team dedicated nearly five years to constructing this world, blending authentic locations with cutting-edge visual effects and groundbreaking filming techniques.
1. 3D Scanning the Real City
The production started with an ambitious goal: to digitally preserve the real Buenos Aires. Using LiDAR scanning and drone photography, the team captured extremely precise 3D models of real neighborhoods, including buildings, streets, alleys, and public spaces (graffiti and potholes included). They even scanned human bodies to populate scenes with lifelike digital figures. Every car used in the show was also scanned, rebuilt in 3D, and placed into scenes with complete realism. This digital library allowed them to reconstruct Buenos Aires down to the smallest detail, preserving its local character even in digitally enhanced or fully virtual scenes.
El trabajo detrás de las cámaras de ‘El Eternauta’ es casi tan impresionante como el resultado final. pic.twitter.com/9w7UTddy6W
— Netflix España (@NetflixES) May 1, 2025
2. Virtual Production with Unreal Engine
Much of El Eternauta was filmed using state-of-the-art virtual production, the same technology used in The Mandalorian. Actors performed in front of enormous LED screens that displayed real-time rendered environments powered by Unreal Engine. Unlike traditional green screens, this setup allowed for accurate lighting and reflections, giving the scenes a tangible, cinematic feel. This technology also made it possible to switch between locations instantly, shoot during “golden hour” all day long, and depict large-scale devastation without ever leaving the studio.
3. Seamless Integration of Real and Digital Elements
The series required a believable mix of physical sets and digital effects. One notable example is a huge barricade made by stacking 17 cars. The team physically built this wall, scanned it, and then recreated it digitally to use in various scenes. This combined method guaranteed visual consistency: everything matched, from the dents in the metal to the positioning of individual items. This precise integration allowed the post-production team to adjust the environment as needed while maintaining a realistic, tangible appearance.
4. Creating Snow That Wasn’t Really There
Ironically, one of the biggest challenges of the production was the snow. In El Eternauta, the snow is not just a setting, it’s deadly. Getting it right was crucial. The team tested dozens of materials before developing their own custom mix. Salt created realistic footprints. Cellulose and foam added texture to streets and walls. Soapy bubbles mimicked the flutter of individual flakes. For tight shots, they developed Eco Snow, a type of biodegradable plastic flake that looked perfect under the camera. Entire streets were covered with snow overnight and cleaned up before morning. These sequences were filmed multiple times across different neighborhoods, making Buenos Aires look convincingly transformed by a silent and deadly winter.
The Cast: Ordinary People in Extraordinary Circumstances
While the visual effects are stunning, El Eternauta stays true to its characters, thanks largely to the talented cast, which is a significant factor in the series’ powerful impact.
Ricardo Darín as Juan Salvo
Juan is the everyman protagonist, a father who is determined to reunite with his daughter as their city falls apart amidst an alien invasion. Darín infuses the role with depth and understated strength. He’s not your typical hero; instead, he’s someone who gradually steps up when it matters. With decades of renowned performances, from The Secret in Their Eyes to Wild Tales and Argentina, 1985, Darín anchors the series with subtle emotional intensity.
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Carla Peterson as Elena
Elena, Juan’s ex-partner and the mother of their daughter, is compassionate, calm, and resourceful. Peterson brings both warmth and resilience to the character. Known for her work in iconic Argentine dramas like Lalola and 100 días para enamorarse, she provides a steady counterpoint to the chaos unfolding around her.
César Troncoso as Favalli
Favalli, Juan’s friend and a physics professor, is the intellectual backbone of the group. Troncoso plays him with understated authority and loyalty. Originally from Uruguay, Troncoso began acting at 40 and has since built a respected career across Latin America. Here, he becomes a key strategist in the group’s survival.
Andrea Pietra as Ana
Ana, Favalli’s wife, is a new character created for the show. She adds a strong emotional element to the group’s dynamics. Pietra, renowned for her dramatic roles on Argentine television, portrays Ana with understated strength and emotional depth.
Marcelo Subiotto as Lucas
One of the friends present when the deadly snowfall begins, Lucas is loyal and brave, providing emotional support and occasional humor. Subiotto brings an unpretentious charm to the role.
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Claudio Martínez Bell as Polsky
Polsky, who meets an early demise in the original comic, survives much longer in the series. His technical expertise becomes crucial, and Martínez Bell plays him with a subtle, observant presence.
Ariel Staltari as Omar
Omar is a new addition to the story: a working-class survivor who challenges the group’s decisions and brings both emotional depth and moral tension. Staltari, known for El Marginal and Okupas, brings urgency and humanity to the role.
Mora Fisz as Clara Salvo
Clara is the heart of the story: Juan’s daughter, whose safety becomes his driving force. Mora Fisz, also a musician, brings a youthful energy and emotional realism that grounds Juan’s journey.
Orianna Cárdenas as Inga
Inga, another new character, is a Venezuelan delivery rider trapped in the chaos. She adds urgency and a contemporary voice to the story. Orianna Cárdenas stands out for her natural, emotionally charged performance.
“El Eternauta” may be packed with aliens, spaceships, and digital snowstorms, but at its heart, it’s a story about community, survival, and everyday people facing the unimaginable.
Thanks to a bold technical vision and a truly human cast, Netflix has managed to turn one of Argentina’s most beloved comics into a sci-fi series on an international scale, without losing its local charm. And with season two already on the horizon, the snow may be deadly, but this story is far from over.
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