Tony(2026)

Tony — Release Date: 7 August 2026 (limited), expanding nationwide on 21 August 2026. Co-written and directed by Matt Johnson, the American biographical comedy-drama stars Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Antonio Banderas, Leo Woodall, Dagmara Domińczyk, and Rich Sommer. Produced by A24, the film chronicles a formative chapter in the life of celebrated chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain, drawing inspiration from stories later recounted in his bestselling memoir Kitchen Confidential.

Set during the summer of 1975, the story follows 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain as he arrives in Provincetown, Massachusetts, hoping to become a writer while taking a temporary job at a local restaurant. What begins as seasonal employment gradually transforms into a defining life experience as Bourdain discovers the demanding, fast-paced world of professional kitchens. Under the mentorship of an experienced Brazilian-born restaurateur, he develops an appreciation for cooking, teamwork, and the culture of restaurant life. The narrative explores how these early experiences helped shape the outlook, curiosity, and passion that would later define his influential career as a chef, storyteller, and global cultural figure.

Dominic Sessa portrays the young Anthony Bourdain, while Emilia Jones plays Nancy, an important figure in his personal life during this period. Antonio Banderas appears as the restaurant owner and Bourdain’s mentor, with Leo Woodall, Stavros Halkias, Rich Sommer, Dagmara Domińczyk, Michael Jibrin, Monica Raymund, and Caroline Portu rounding out the supporting cast. Together, the ensemble recreates the vibrant atmosphere of a Cape Cod restaurant and the relationships that influenced Bourdain’s formative years.

Director Matt Johnson approaches the material as a character-driven coming-of-age story rather than a traditional cradle-to-grave biography. The screenplay focuses on a pivotal period before Anthony Bourdain achieved international recognition, highlighting the experiences that shaped his worldview, creative ambitions, and lifelong fascination with food and hospitality. Principal photography concluded in 2025, with the production emphasizing authenticity in recreating the restaurant culture of the mid-1970s.

Blending biography, comedy, and drama, Tony explores ambition, mentorship, self-discovery, and the transformative power of unexpected opportunities. By focusing on Anthony Bourdain’s early journey before fame, the film offers a portrait of the experiences that laid the foundation for one of the culinary world’s most influential voices. Tony is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on 7 August 2026, followed by a nationwide expansion on 21 August 2026.