Anthony Bourdain is beloved for more than his time as a celebrity chef, but for his zest for life and new experiences. According to Deadline, A24 is close to acquiring Tony, a biopic about Bourdain that could star The Holdovers breakout Dominic Sessa. This would be another high-profile role for Sessa after starring alongside Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Alexander Payne’s hit film.
Lou Howe and Todd Bartels wrote the screenplay, with Matt Johnson to direct. Johnson directed the critically acclaimed Blackberry, a comedy biopic about the launch of the once-popular wireless device.
Details on the plot remain under wraps, and it’s unclear if this will capture Bourdain’s entire life or just a particular point.
Bourdain was a popular chef in Manhattan throughout the ’80s and ’90s, but he became an overnight sensation with his bestselling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, which also became a sitcom starring Bradley Cooper. It was Bourdain’s Travel Channel series No Reservations that introduced him to an even wider audience, capturing his love for life, people, food, and the simple pleasures. Bourdain died by suicide in 2018.
Sessa may not have received the accolades of co-stars in The Holdovers, he made quite the impression by measuring up to them both, especially for his acting debut. He’ll be seen next in the action sequel Now You See Me 3, opening in 2025.
