- Sessa has been confirmed as the lead in upcoming biopic, entitled Tony
- 23-year-old rose to fame with role in 2023’s The Holdovers
- The young actor has already won a Critics Choice Award and been nominated for a BAFTA
The late, great Anthony Bourdain will be the subject of an upcoming A24 biopic, starring Dominic Sessa in the lead role, the studio confirmed yesterday.
Sessa’s involvement in the project has been known since last August. However, the news was only made official this week.
Bourdain, who thrust himself into the public consciousness in 2001 with the groundbreaking Kitchen Confidential, was a beloved champion of independent restaurants and little known cuisines, inspiring millions around the world to broaden their horizons when it comes to food and culture.
Tragically, the former chef and presenter took his own life in a hotel in Strasbourg, France, in 2018. Bourdain left behind an enormous legacy that has seen his several television series, books and documentaries about his life become even more prominent, as the importance of his work was discovered by new generations of viewers, writers and creators.
Through series such as A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations, The Layover and Parts Unknown, Bourdain became a household name. He laid bare the previously little known details about the lives of chefs in Kitchen Confidential. He also shone a spotlight on previously misunderstood cuisines and cultures. Or ones which little to nothing was known about.
Perhaps most importantly, he also absolutely loved Waffle House.
So with more news now filtering through about A24’s Tony, here’s everything we know about the project so far.
Who is in the Anthony Bourdain Biopic?
The Holdovers star Dominic Sessa will play a young Bourdain. The only other cast member confirmed at this time is legendary Spanish actor Antonio Banderas.
Who is Directing Tony?
Matt Johnson will direct the project for A24. Johnson has previously directed the critically acclaimed Blackberry (2023), in which he also starred in a supporting role.
When Will the Anthony Bourdain Biopic be Released?
No release date has been confirmed by A24 at the time of writing. However, filming is expected to begin in May.
What is the Plot of Tony?
Rather than focusing on Bourdain’s entire life, Tony will depict Bourdain’s early days as a burgeoning chef. As per Variety, “The film will take place in 1976 when a young Bourdain has a life-changing experience working and living in Provincetown, Mass.”
Bourdain’s life was also chronicled in the 2021 documentary, Roadrunner.
