Dominic Sessa Cast as Anthony Bourdain in ‘Tony’ Biopic

Anthony Bourdain is getting the biopic treatment.

“The Holdovers” breakout star Dominic Sessa is in talks to portray the celebrated chef and travel documentarian in “Tony.” The film is being developed by Star Thrower Entertainment, known for productions like “The Post,” “King Richard,” and “Eternity.” A24 is also reportedly in talks with “BlackBerry” director and co-writer Matt Johnson to direct the project.

The script for the film is penned by Lou Howe and Todd Bartels. In addition to A24, production roles will be filled by Trevor White and Tim White under the Star Thrower banner, alongside Johnson and Matthew Miller. Emily Rose will serve as an executive producer.

Sessa, who was named one of Variety‘s 10 Actors to Watch in 2023, is expected to appear in several upcoming projects. These include “Now You See Me 3,” where he will join franchise newcomers Ariana Greenblatt and Justice Smith. He is also set to feature in Michael Showalter’s Christmas comedy “Oh. What. Fun.” and the Rose Byrne-led film “Tow.”

The specific period of Bourdain’s life that the biopic will cover has not been revealed. Bourdain, who was the host of popular TV shows “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown,” tragically died by suicide in 2018. This isn’t the first project to focus on Bourdain’s life; the 2021 documentary “Roadrunner” premiered at Tribeca and received critical acclaim. However, it also faced controversy when filmmaker Morgan Neville disclosed that he used artificial intelligence to recreate three quotes in Bourdain’s voice.

Sessa’s representation includes CAA, Untitled, and Steve Warren at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Johnson is represented by CAA and Chris Spicer at Akin Gump. Miller is also represented by CAA and Chris Spicer at Akin Gump.

Deadline initially reported this news.

Source: Deadline, Variety