Dominic Sessa Will Play Anthony Bourdain in A24's 'Tony' Biopic

Biopics have slowly become the heartbeat of modern cinema, offering audiences an intimate look at the icons who have shaped culture, politics, and entertainment. Whether it’s A Complete Unknown unraveling Bob Dylan’s rise to fame, the 2022 reimagining of Elvis’ life and death, or the upcoming set of Beatles biopics celebrating a musical legacy, real-life narratives are dominating both the box office and awards conversations. Now, A24 is adding another compelling name to that growing list with Dominic Sessa playing Anthony Bourdain.

Diving into the early years of culinary legend Anthony Bourdain in Tony, the new biopic will star Sessa, breakout star of The Holdovers. The film will explore a transformative moment in Bourdain’s life long before he became a household name, with production set to begin next month. The project, reported by Variety, also features Oscar-nominated actor Antonio Banderas in a yet-to-be-revealed role.

Keep scrolling to read more about the plot details, casting updates, and the release date.

Set in 1976, Tony will follow a young Bourdain in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where a short stint working and living in the artsy coastal town became a turning point. While Bourdain would go on to enroll in culinary school two years later, this chapter is often credited with planting the seeds for his future as a chef, writer, and cultural icon.

Directed by Matt Johnson, the film promises to explore Bourdain’s unfiltered, pre-fame years—long before his bestselling memoir or docuseries that turned him into a beloved pop culture fixture. Johnson co-produces with Matthew Miller under Zapruder Films, alongside Star Thrower’s Tim and Trevor White, who are fresh off producing another A24 project, Eternity, according to Variety. 

The script comes from writers Todd Bartels and Lou Howe, with Bourdain’s longtime agent and estate representative Kimberly Witherspoon signed on as executive producer.

Sessa will take on the role of Anthony Bourdain in his younger years, portraying the chef during a time of personal discovery. The casting marks Sessa’s most high-profile role to date and puts him at the center of a project that dives into the complexities of a man who reshaped food storytelling. Antonio Banderas has also joined the cast in a mysterious role that has yet to be revealed.

With production starting soon, Tony is shaping up to be an intimate, atmospheric portrait of Bourdain before the fame—before the kitchen memoirs and global fame. A release date has yet to be announced.

Check back for updates on the upcoming Tony biopic, with Sessa as Bourdain.