A24’s ‘Tony’: A Fresh Biopic Investigates the Formative Years of Anthony Bourdain
A24, the independent studio acclaimed for its daring and emotionally impactful narratives, is gearing up to deliver a cinematic homage to one of the most significant cultural figures of the 21st century: Anthony Bourdain. The forthcoming biopic, entitled Tony, will explore a crucial summer in 1976 that contributed to the evolution of the man who would transform our perceptions of food, travel, and human relationships.
Dominic Sessa, recognized for his breakout performance in The Holdovers, will portray a youthful Bourdain. Antonio Banderas is also on board for the film in a yet-to-be-disclosed role, adding to the film’s intrigue. Directed by Matt Johnson, known for the critically lauded BlackBerry, Tony is slated to commence filming next month.
A Peek into Bourdain’s Early Life
Tony will take us back to a time before Bourdain became a household name — before his bestselling publications, Emmy-winning travel series, and worldwide fame. In the summer of 1976, Bourdain resided in Provincetown, Massachusetts, a bohemian hub that would serve as a melting pot for his early culinary ambitions and creativity. He had yet to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America, yet the foundations of his future were starting to take shape.
This time in Provincetown was essential. It marked an era of self-discovery, experimentation, and the onset of Bourdain’s passion for food and storytelling. Just two years later, he would embark on his formal culinary training, leading him to eventually become the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York and author his trailblazing memoir, Kitchen Confidential.
The Book That Altered Everything
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, released in 2000, was not merely a memoir — it became a cultural sensation. With unfiltered honesty, dark wit, and poetic rawness, Bourdain revealed the inner workings of the restaurant business, shining a light on its chaos, camaraderie, and unvarnished truths. The book resonated globally and propelled Bourdain into the limelight.
However, it was not only his writing that entranced readers. Bourdain’s distinctive voice — gritty, unrefined, and profoundly relatable — made him an inherent storyteller. He quickly transitioned to the small screen, where he would become a cherished host and cultural emissary.
A Humanist with a Fork and a Passport
Through his acclaimed shows No Reservations and Parts Unknown, Bourdain transformed the landscape of food and travel programming. He didn’t just present gourmet dishes or opulent locales; he narrated tales of individuals, cultures, and shared humanity. Whether savoring noodles in Vietnam, dining with a family in Iran, or enjoying coffee in conflict-zones, Bourdain infused each moment with empathy, curiosity, and modesty.
He journeyed not as a tourist, but as a listener. He amplified the voices of the marginalized and made audiences feel as if they were alongside him — comfortably nestled under a table, sharing something sacred with a stranger.
A Legacy Worth Discovering
When Anthony Bourdain passed away in 2018 at 61, the world lost more than just a chef or television icon. We lost a bridge between cultures, a supporter of the overlooked, and a person who encouraged us to perceive the world — and one another — through a different lens.
The forthcoming film Tony aspires to capture the essence of Bourdain’s early years and probe into the experiences that shaped his perspectives. With A24’s history of crafting thoughtful and visually captivating films, coupled with a talented cast and director steering the project, expectations are elevated for a biopic that honors Bourdain’s intricate legacy.
“If I’m an advocate for anything,” Bourdain once remarked, “it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can… The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody.”
Tony promises to be more than merely a film about a chef — it’s a narrative about becoming, about seeking, and about the universal desire for meaning, connection, and comprehension. For Bourdain enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it’s a journey worth embarking on.
