A biopic titledTonyexplores the formative years of Anthony Bourdain, capturing the period before he rose to international fame.
The film, directed by Matt Johnson, focuses on Bourdain’s time at Vassar College and a pivotal summer as a dishwasher in Provincetown that set him on the path to a culinary career.
Johnson co‑writes the script with Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe, while the production team includes Tim White, Trevor White, and Matthew Miller.
Dominic Sessa portrays the young Bourdain, with Antonio Banderas playing his mentor chef, and Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, and other actors rounding out the cast.
In the story, a restless and rebellious Bourdain struggles with identity while learning the fundamentals of cooking and discovering a passion for food that would later define his career.
Sessa’s performance captures Bourdain’s early self‑destructive tendencies and the raw ambition that later propelled him into the culinary world.
Supporting actors deliver memorable scenes, including Woodall’s portrayal of a cynical restaurant worker and Jones’s character, whose romance offers a glimpse into the man’s softer side.
The film features a cameo by chef Eric Ripert, Bourdain’s close friend, adding a personal touch to the narrative.
With a runtime of 106 minutes,Tonyis scheduled for theatrical release in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 14 August 2026.
Critics note the film’s gritty, authentic tone, presenting Bourdain’s early life with sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism.
Overall, the movie aims to honor Bourdain’s legacy by shedding light on the experiences that shaped his later work as a writer and traveler.
