The first trailer for the Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony, has been released, offering a sweary glimpse into the late food icon's early years. Dominic Sessa, known for his breakout role in The Holdovers, plays a 19-year-old Bourdain as he lands his first kitchen job in mid-1970s Cape Cod.
Trailer Highlights and Cast
In the trailer, Bourdain's character declares, "I'm actually not a fucking cook, I'm a writer," as he struggles to find his place in the culinary world. The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Emilia Jones, and Leo Woodall.
Director Matt Johnson's Vision
Tony is directed by Matt Johnson, the Canadian filmmaker who received acclaim for 2023's BlackBerry, an unconventional retelling of the now-discontinued mobile phone's story. Johnson also recently directed and co-starred in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, which earned positive reviews.
Statement from Bourdain's Estate
A statement from Bourdain's estate reads: "We chose to support Tony because it is not a standard biopic and doesn't attempt to summarise a life. Guided by the vision of director Matt Johnson, the film depicts one transformative summer in 1975 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. It is an interpretation, as that part of Tony's life will always remain somewhat unknown. We appreciate the portrayal of Tony's complexity, his intellectual appetite and his conviction – qualities that eventually took him around the globe and endeared him to so many. We hope this film serves as a reminder that every journey has a start, and that audiences see the beginnings of the man who taught us how to be better explorers on our own paths."
Casting Dominic Sessa
Johnson told Entertainment Weekly that he chose Sessa because of his similarities to Bourdain. "[They are] both from Jersey, both sent to private school, but didn't fit in, both restless and searching," Johnson said. "I knew if a scene was working when Dom said, 'Seems right,' and I knew it wasn't when he said, 'Why would I say this?' More than any movie I've ever made, this film was a partnership with an actor. He is in every shot of the movie, and carries the entire story on his hunched shoulders."
Sessa's Recent Work
Following his performance in The Holdovers, Sessa has appeared in Now You See Me 3 and the Christmas comedy Oh. What. Fun. Bourdain's life was previously chronicled in the 2021 documentary Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain.
Bourdain's Legacy
The beloved chef, author, and TV personality died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 61. Tony is set for release this summer.
