A24 has unveiled the first trailer for Tony, an upcoming film that explores the early life of legendary chef and storyteller Anthony Bourdain. The movie stars Dominic Sessa in the lead role, presenting a youthful version of Bourdain during a formative chapter long before global fame defined his career.
Directed by Matt Johnson, the film is set to hit theaters in August and focuses on a pivotal summer when a 19-year-old Bourdain lands a job at a restaurant in Cape Cod. This experience becomes a turning point, shaping his identity, ambitions, and creative outlook.
The cast also includes Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, and Antonio Banderas, adding depth to the story with strong supporting performances. The narrative highlights Bourdain’s early uncertainty, as he navigates between his passion for writing and the realities of working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Rather than presenting a traditional biographical story, Tony zooms in on a specific moment in time — a summer that helped define the man he would later become. The film captures his curiosity, rebellious nature, and intellectual hunger, traits that eventually led him to travel the world and connect with audiences through food and storytelling.
The filmmakers, including Matt Johnson and his co-writers, have taken a more interpretive approach to the story, focusing on emotional depth rather than a full life summary. This creative direction has been supported by Bourdain’s estate, which praised the film for highlighting his complexity and the early experiences that influenced his journey.
Set in 1975 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the film offers a glimpse into the beginnings of a personality who would later redefine food culture and travel storytelling. It emphasizes that every iconic journey starts somewhere, and in Bourdain’s case, it began with a summer of discovery, risk, and transformation.
With its compelling premise and strong performances, Tony is shaping up to be a unique and thoughtful tribute to one of the most influential voices in modern culinary and travel media.
