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Dominic Sessa to Portray Young Anthony Bourdain in Upcoming Biopic 'Tony'
A24 has officially announced the casting for its upcoming biopic Tony, centered on the early life of renowned chef and media personality Anthony Bourdain. Dominic Sessa, who gained attention for his breakout role in 2023’s The Holdovers, will portray a young Bourdain in the film, which is directed by Matt Johnson of BlackBerry fame. The story focuses specifically on the year 1976, during which Bourdain experienced a transformative period while working and living in Provincetown, Massachusetts—two years prior to enrolling in culinary school. The film aims to capture a lesser-known chapter of Bourdain’s life, presenting it as a kind of origin story .
A Glimpse into Bourdain's Formative Years
Set in the summer of 1976, Tony will chronicle a pivotal time in Bourdain's life when he was 22 years old, working as a chef in Provincetown, Massachusetts. This period, occurring two years before his enrollment at the Culinary Institute of America, is considered a transformative chapter that shaped his future culinary and media career .
Creative Team and Production Details
The screenplay for Tony is penned by Todd Bartels and Lou Howe. The film is produced by Tim and Trevor White of Star Thrower Entertainment, alongside A24. Kimberly Witherspoon, Bourdain’s former literary agent and current estate representative, is among the executive producers . Filming is set to begin next month.
Sessa's Rising Star
Dominic Sessa's casting as Bourdain follows his acclaimed debut in The Holdovers, where he portrayed Angus Tully, a boarding school student in 1970s Massachusetts. His performance earned him a Critics' Choice Award for Best Young Performer and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Breakthrough Performance . Sessa's upcoming projects include roles in Now You See Me 3, Tow, and the Christmas comedy Oh. What. Fun.
Legacy and Previous Portrayals
Tony will be the first narrative film to depict Bourdain's life, following the 2021 documentary Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain. Previously, Bradley Cooper portrayed a character inspired by Bourdain in the 2005 sitcom adaptation of Kitchen Confidential .
Anthony Bourdain, who passed away in 2018, was renowned for his candid insights into the culinary world, his bestselling memoir Kitchen Confidential, and his travel and food television series, including No Reservations and Parts Unknown.
The biopic Tony aims to offer audiences an intimate look at the experiences that shaped Bourdain's unique perspective and influential career.
Conclusion:
With Dominic Sessa stepping into the shoes of a young Anthony Bourdain, Tony promises to be more than just a biopic—it’s a celebration of identity, self-discovery, and creative rebellion. For fans of Bourdain, food lovers, and cinema enthusiasts alike, this film offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who forever changed the way we see the world through food.
As the world eagerly awaits the film’s release, all eyes are now on Sessa, whose performance could immortalize Bourdain’s legacy in an entirely new light. Tony is not just a movie; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the man who lived boldly, cooked passionately, and inspired millions.
