A24’s upcoming biopic about Anthony Bourdain, titled Tony, is set to shoot in Provincetown, Massachusetts, from May to July 2025. Filmmakers are casting real restaurant kitchen staff to appear alongside actor Dominic Sessa, who will portray a young Bourdain.
The Film Will Focus on Anthony Bourdain’s Early Culinary Years in Provincetown
Tony tells the story of Bourdain’s final summer on Cape Cod in 1976, before he enrolled in culinary school. The movie charts his rise from working as a dishwasher and line cook in local restaurants to becoming the chef and media icon known worldwide.
Bourdain’s early jobs included stints at the now-closed Flagship Restaurant and the still-operating Lobster Pot. These formative experiences would later become the foundation for his bestselling book Kitchen Confidential and his television work.
Real Kitchen Staff Sought to Capture Authenticity of 1970s Restaurant Life
Production company A24 and casting director Atomic Honey Casting are seeking real restaurant kitchen workers for the film. Male candidates of all ethnicities with genuine kitchen experience are encouraged to apply. No prior acting experience is required, but unique and dynamic personalities are preferred.
The casting call specifies that applicants should email their details to a dedicated casting address. Filming will take place on-location in Provincetown, preserving the authentic setting where Bourdain’s culinary journey began.
Dominic Sessa to Star as Young Anthony Bourdain; Antonio Banderas Also Cast
Dominic Sessa, known for his breakout role in The Holdovers, will portray the young Bourdain. The film will be directed by Matt Johnson, who previously helmed the 2023 film BlackBerry.
Antonio Banderas is also attached to the project in an undisclosed role. The script is co-written by Todd Bartels and Lou Howe. Bourdain’s estate is involved as a producer, ensuring the story aligns with the late chef’s legacy.
Revisiting Bourdain’s Story Amid Continued Interest in His Life and Career
Since Bourdain’s death in 2018, several documentaries and biographies have explored his life, including Morgan Neville’s 2021 documentary Roadrunner. That film notably used AI to recreate Bourdain’s voice for narration, emphasizing how crucial his point of view was to his storytelling.
Tony seeks to provide a focused look at Bourdain’s early years, capturing the environment and people that shaped him before his rise to fame. It aims for authenticity by incorporating actual kitchen staff and filming on location rather than creating purely staged sets.
Filming in Provincetown Reflects Bourdain’s Connection to the Cape Cod Community
Provincetown was more than a summer job site for Bourdain; it represented a creative and tolerant community that influenced his worldview. In his show Parts Unknown, Bourdain described the town as “a wonderland of tolerance,” welcoming a diverse mix of artists and outsiders.
The decision to shoot in Provincetown reinforces the film’s commitment to capturing that atmosphere accurately. The production timeline from late spring to early summer also mirrors the timeframe of Bourdain’s real-life experience on the Cape.
What Fans Can Expect from the Upcoming Biopic ‘Tony’
Fans should expect a grounded portrayal of Anthony Bourdain’s beginnings. Rather than focusing on his later fame or television career, Tony will delve into the formative moments that influenced his approach to food, storytelling, and life.
With real kitchen workers involved, the film looks to present an honest depiction of the restaurant industry’s challenges and camaraderie during the mid-1970s. Dominic Sessa’s casting promises a fresh face for Bourdain that captures his youthful energy and ambition.
There is currently no announced release date for Tony. The production will likely hold additional casting and location shoots before moving into post-production.
Final Thoughts on the Film’s Approach and Place in Bourdain’s Legacy
The biopic adds another layer to the continued exploration of Anthony Bourdain’s complex life and career. The involvement of his estate and the effort to cast genuine kitchen staff suggest the film will avoid sensationalism in favor of a realistic portrayal.
Given Bourdain’s lasting impact on culinary culture and television, Tony could contribute valuable insight into the man behind the scenes. The Provincetown setting and focus on his earliest years offer a fresh perspective that complements previous documentaries and biographies.
As production progresses, more details will likely emerge about the cast, story, and release plans. For now, those connected to the restaurant world in Massachusetts have a unique opportunity to participate in bringing Bourdain’s story to the screen.