AceShowbiz - Anthony Bourdain’s compelling origin story is set to unfold in the new A24 biopic titled Tony, with the first trailer recently released. Known for his influential career as a chef and TV host, Bourdain first emerged into the culinary world after enrolling in culinary school in 1978. He gained widespread fame following the publication of his memoir Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly in 2000. Tragically, Bourdain died by suicide in 2018 at age 61 while in France. Throughout his career, he earned six Emmy Awards, including honors for the CNN show Parts Unknown.

The film Tony focuses on a pivotal summer in Bourdain’s life, specifically set in 1976 Provincetown, Massachusetts. The official synopsis reveals that the story follows a 19-year-old Bourdain as he enters the chaotic environment of a restaurant kitchen, a transformative experience that will shape his future. The trailer hints at an intense and raw depiction of Bourdain’s early challenges and ambitions in the culinary world.

The late chef’s family estate issued a statement endorsing the project, emphasizing its respectful approach: "Anthony Bourdain’s legacy is meaningful to millions of people. He was a man who valued authenticity above all else and would have been both moved and baffled by the world’s curiosity about his life." They further explained that Tony is not a traditional biopic attempting to summarize Bourdain’s entire life. Instead, guided by director Matt Johnson’s vision, the film interprets one transformative summer in 1975, acknowledging that part of Bourdain’s life remains somewhat mysterious.

The statement also praised the portrayal of Bourdain’s complexity, intellectual hunger, and strong convictions—traits that propelled him worldwide and endeared him to many. They hope the film reminds audiences that every journey has a beginning and that viewers will witness the origins of the man who inspired others to explore their own paths.

Tony is directed by Matt Johnson, known for his 2023 film Blackberry. The cast includes Emilia Jones, Dagmara Dominczyk, Rich Sommers, Stavros Halkias, Leo Woodall, Antonio Banderas, and Dominc Sessa, who plays the young Bourdain. The story centers on Bourdain’s life-changing summer in Provincetown, showing both his passion for cooking and writing and his more troubled aspects, including scenes of heavy drinking, fights, and moments of anger.

Sessa’s role in Tony follows his debut in the Oscar-nominated holiday movie The Holdovers (2023). Since then, he has appeared in several 2025 releases, including Tow, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Oh. What. Fun. This film is a significant step in his rising career.

Emilia Jones, playing a key love interest, has also been active in recent years. She starred alongside Glen Powell in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man (2025) and had a major role in HBO’s acclaimed series Task. Jones is recognized for her work in CODA (2021), Locke & Key, Cat Person (2023), and Charlie Harper (2025).

Antonio Banderas takes on the role of a mentor chef, adding further depth to the biopic’s exploration of Bourdain’s early influences and relationships. The depiction of Bourdain in his younger years is expected to highlight his intense personality and formative experiences, setting the stage for his later global impact.

A24 continues to build its reputation as a powerhouse in independent cinema, and Tony may further enhance the studio’s standing. Although this biopic’s budget is not as large as recent A24 projects like Marty Supreme, which reportedly cost around $70 million, well-crafted biopics often become strong contenders during awards season.

With the summer release window approaching, Tony does not yet have an exact release date in August. The film will likely compete alongside a variety of other projects scheduled for that month, including Mutiny, Fall 2, Ice Cream Man, One Night Only, and Coyote vs. Acme. These films differ widely in genre and tone from A24’s biopic, which focuses on a nuanced, character-driven narrative.

Overall, the upcoming film promises to be a revealing look into the early life of one of the culinary world’s most fascinating figures. Audiences can expect an intense, authentic portrayal of Anthony Bourdain’s beginnings, showcasing how a young man’s summer in a chaotic kitchen set the foundation for a remarkable career and legacy.