Anthony Bourdain Movie 'Tony' Announces Actor Who Will Star As Legendary Chef
The career of actor Dominic Sessa is really cooking now that he's been cast as Anthony Bourdain in a new biopic.
The actor, who was acclaimed in his debut role in 2023's 'The Holdovers' opposite Paul Giamatti, will portray the famed chef and TV host in the film 'Tony,' alongside Antonio Banderas.
The film is set in 1976, and Sessa will portray a pre-fame Bourdain whose life changes while working and living in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Banderas' role is being kept under wraps, but shooting is expected to commence next month.
Bourdain, after a career that took him from culinary school to becoming the executive chef of New York's Brasserie Les Halles, to best-selling author and TV host on CNN and the Travel Channel, committed suicide in June 2018.
Social media had strong reactions, both on board and against the casting choice.
Dominic Sessa was so good in 'The Holdovers', he gave such a nuanced, but powerful performance I believe will serve him well portraying the legendary Anthony Bourdain. And with the film being A24 and centering food, this will definitely be one of my most anticipated films. https://t.co/Up9M8JiMRDpic.twitter.com/w2wDWO9Mc4
— Bella (🍿🫶🏾Cinematically Emotional) (@BellaLoveNote) April 23, 2025
I love this arc for Matt Johnson— from Youtube Show to A24 director. Dominic Sessa has raw talent and I am pulling for him.
— Ryan (@medium_gray) April 23, 2025
i keep saying 'enough biopics' and then they announce the most tailored-to-me biopic of all time https://t.co/Ghk7Z9taA1
— todd bonzalez (@doinkpatrol) April 23, 2025
WAITTTTT ANTHONY BOURDAIN BIOPIC???? Oh this is major news for me omfg https://t.co/0rKM2Xrier
— lucas🎄 (@mandoIorian) April 23, 2025
DOMINIC SESSA OSCAR INCOMING!!!! https://t.co/c3Dqa6ojfRpic.twitter.com/j6JioeqRbg
— aly! (@spideymoons15) April 23, 2025
Those who weren't as excited took a 'what would Tony do?' approach to the news.
Anthony Bourdain would have HATED this but unfortunately I will be tuning in https://t.co/06Cz5R6wlN
— Don't call me Christopher (@anordinarydayy) April 23, 2025
That's a horrible choice for the lead in this. Anthony Bourdain was a lot of things but a goofy looking doofus isn't one of them.
— NotABugEater (@Melnyiam_) April 23, 2025
Not a dig against this guy but I'd be surprised if anybody can capture Anthony Bourdain. Genuinely one of a kind. https://t.co/IDcZwEB935
— Davis C. (@MrRedude) April 23, 2025
i feel like anthony bourdain would hate this 😭 https://t.co/VEUhXwfprW
— not syd ❄️ (@sjarmstrong143) April 23, 2025
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