Dominic Sessa, best known for his breakout performance in The Holdovers, is embarking on one of the most emotionally challenging roles of his young career — portraying the late chef, author, and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain. The upcoming biographical drama, Tony, will explore Bourdain’s life beyond the kitchen — his insatiable curiosity, his creative genius, and the inner struggles that made him one of the most beloved and complex public figures of his time.
While the film has yet to receive an official release date or trailer, Sessa has already described the experience as profoundly transformative.
“Making the movie was one of the best experiences of my life,” Sessa told AP News. “I’m so proud of it; it was one of those roles of a lifetime, so I’m really excited to see what comes of it.”
Bringing Anthony Bourdain’s Spirit to Life
Anthony Bourdain was far more than a celebrity chef. Through Kitchen Confidential and Parts Unknown, he became a global storyteller — one who peeled back cultural layers, explored uncomfortable truths, and connected deeply with people through food and empathy.
For Sessa, portraying Bourdain meant inhabiting a man whose life was equal parts light and shadow.
“He wasn’t just about food; he was about humanity,” Sessa said during a recent Q&A. “To step into his world meant understanding not only his passion but also his pain. It’s a huge responsibility.”
The biopic reportedly explores key moments from Bourdain’s rise to fame in the late 1990s to his later years as a writer and traveler, giving audiences a human, rather than heroic, portrait of the late chef.
A Promising Young Actor With an Emotional Edge
Dominic Sessa, only 23, earned widespread acclaim for his performance as the rebellious student Angus in Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers. His ability to balance vulnerability and defiance caught the industry’s attention — and made him a fitting choice to play Bourdain, who often oscillated between confidence and introspection.
Casting director Eliza Kim said, “Dominic carries the same mix of quiet rebellion and emotional honesty that defined Bourdain. You believe every word he says.”
A Look at the Supporting Cast and Crew
Sessa isn’t alone in bringing Tony to life. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Amelia Jones (CODA), Leo Woodall (One Day), and Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory).
Sessa expressed deep admiration for his co-stars:
“Amelia, Leo, and Antonio — they’re incredible. Working with them pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. They made me look better every day,” he laughed.
While plot details remain under wraps, insiders describe Tony as an intimate, character-driven story rather than a chronological retelling. The film is said to balance realism with poetic visual storytelling — a fitting homage to Bourdain’s own cinematic approach to food and travel.
Exploring the Man Behind the Myth
Anthony Bourdain’s life continues to resonate with millions around the world. His voice — candid, compassionate, and sometimes painfully honest — broke barriers in how television portrayed culture and cuisine. His passing in 2018 sparked global mourning, with fans remembering his authenticity and empathy.
The challenge for Tony lies in honoring that authenticity without mythologizing him. According to early production notes, the film avoids sensationalism and instead presents a portrait of Bourdain as both an artist and a flawed man — someone who sought meaning in a world that never stopped moving.
Film critic Rebecca Lee commented, “If done right, Tony could be one of the most important biopics of the decade — not because it glorifies Bourdain, but because it humanizes him.”
Overview of Tony (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Tony |
| Genre | Biographical Drama |
| Lead Actor | Dominic Sessa as Anthony Bourdain |
| Supporting Cast | Amelia Jones, Leo Woodall, Antonio Banderas |
| Director | To be announced |
| Status | Post-production |
| Expected Release | 2025 / Early 2026 |
| Distributor | To be confirmed |
Emotional Resonance Over Replication
Instead of strict mimicry, Dominic Sessa focused on capturing the emotional truth of Anthony Bourdain. Reports suggest that Sessa studied Bourdain’s interviews, writing, and documentaries to absorb his rhythm and tone, rather than replicate his mannerisms.
“You can’t impersonate Anthony Bourdain,” Sessa said. “You can only try to understand him. His mind was a storm — beautiful and messy. I wanted to honor that chaos.”
The film reportedly includes sequences inspired by Bourdain’s travels across Asia and Europe, intercut with introspective scenes from his writing process and quiet moments of solitude.
Key Themes Explored in Tony
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Curiosity & Wanderlust | Bourdain’s drive to explore cultures beyond the surface. |
| Loneliness & Fame | The internal toll of global fame and creative pressure. |
| Connection Through Food | How Bourdain used cuisine to bridge cultural divides. |
| Mental Health & Reflection | An exploration of emotional vulnerability and isolation. |
| Art & Authenticity | The pursuit of truth in storytelling and life. |
Honoring a Legacy
For many, Tony is more than a film — it’s a reminder of Anthony Bourdain’s lasting influence on storytelling and empathy. The project arrives at a time when mental health awareness and the need for cross-cultural understanding are more relevant than ever.
Cultural commentator Jamal Reeves notes, “Bourdain taught us that food is never just food — it’s about history, identity, and connection. A film like Tony has the potential to reignite that message for a new generation.”
Why Tony Matters?
Biopics about cultural icons often risk oversimplifying their subjects. However, Tony appears poised to deliver a nuanced take that celebrates imperfection. For Dominic Sessa, this film is not just a role — it’s a responsibility.
“It’s not about playing a hero,” Sessa said. “It’s about playing a human being who changed how we see the world.”
Whether the movie achieves that remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — it will stir deep emotions among fans who still feel Bourdain’s absence.
The Cultural Weight of Tony
If Tony succeeds, it won’t just tell the story of a man who changed how we eat and travel — it will remind audiences that empathy and honesty are forms of courage. Anthony Bourdain left behind more than recipes; he left a way of seeing the world. Dominic Sessa’s portrayal may help bring that spirit back to the screen, one frame at a time.
FAQs
Dominic Sessa, known for The Holdovers, will play the late chef and writer.
No release date has been confirmed, but it is expected to arrive in 2025 or early 2026.
The film explores Anthony Bourdain’s rise to fame, his travels, and his struggles with creativity, identity, and mental health.
Amelia Jones, Leo Woodall, and Antonio Banderas co-star alongside Sessa.
While inspired by true events, Tony is an independent dramatization and not directly adapted from Bourdain’s books.
