Film studio A24 is in discussions to make a movie about the life of celebrity chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain. The proposed film would tell the story of Bourdain’s early career as a chef in New York City before he became well known for his books and TV shows.
The movie, currently called either “Tony” or “The Dish,” could star rising actor Dominic Sessa in the lead role. Sessa would portray a younger version of Bourdain. If made, the biopic would be directed by Matt Johnson and produced by production company Star Thrower. Emily Rose would serve as the executive producer.
Bourdain started his career by graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and then working in restaurant kitchens in New York. He eventually became the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. His first book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” described what really happens in restaurants and Bourdain’s past struggles with drugs. The book was a big success and led to television shows where Bourdain traveled the world learning about other cultures through local cuisine. Sadly, Bourdain died by suicide in 2018.
The studio A24 is known for artistic movies like “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Critics have praised Sessa’s performance in Alexander Payne’s recent film “The Holdovers” as showing his acting ability to portray complex characters with depth. If made, the Bourdain biopic will aim to represent his influential personality and the cultural impact of his work in both cooking and travel. However, as a film about such a recently deceased iconic figure, it may face challenges pleasing Bourdain’s many fans.
Sessa’s potential casting is seen as promising by those in the film industry. As interest in the project develops, details of the movie exploring Bourdain’s early life as an chef will continue to emerge.
