A Biopic About Beloved Chef Anthony Bourdain is in the Works
A Biopic About Beloved Chef Anthony Bourdain is in the Works
Words: Hannah Lemass
Many of us are still not over the tragic death of of the no nonsense, straight talking, master of words and food, Anthony Bourdain. When he passed away in 2018, it sent a shockwave that rippled well beyond foodie circles. He was beloved by everyone, breaking the mould for celebrity chefs with his fearless, raw honesty and his humour.
Its good news today for Bourdain fans — a biopic about the legendary chef and storyteller is reportedly in the pipeline, with none other than A24, the studio behind hits like Hereditary, Midsommar, and Past Lives, eyeing the project.
The film, lovingly titled Tony, is being developed by Star Thrower Entertainment, the same production company that brought us the award-winning King Richard biopic about the father of Venus and Serena Williams. The film’s script, penned by Lou Howe and Todd Bartels, is said to capture the essence of Bourdain’s life. Although it remains a mystery which chapter of his extraordinary journey it will focus on, 21-year-old American actor Dominic Sessa is said to be the front-runner to step into the shoes of one of the most charismatic and influential figures in the culinary world.
They’re big shoes to fill. Bourdain wasn’t just a celebrity chef; he was a culinary rock star who fearlessly exposed the gritty realities of restaurant life with naked, unflinching abandon. His sharp wit and unfiltered honesty first grabbed attention with his essay Don’t Eat Before Reading This for The New Yorker, which became the foundation for his iconic memoir, Kitchen Confidential. He had a knack for telling it like it was, serving up the piping hot tea with a side of humour that left readers both shocked and entertained.
He was an inspiration, who spoke openly about his ups, downs, and weaknesses. His rise to the top was not meteoric — his journey was rocky, to say the least, and he shared his trials and tribulations with unflinching honesty. From his gritty days in Manhattan’s kitchens to his role as the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles, his struggles with mental health and addiction were always on full, grim display. He endeared himself to fans who admired his vulnerability. His no-nonsense approach was a refreshing contrast to the pretentiousness of some of his contemporaries.
His T.V. series Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations catapulted him to stardom, making him a household name and cementing his legacy as a storyteller who used food as a lens to explore culture. Bourdain even made his way to Ireland, stopping by The Gravediggers, The Long Hall, and other icons including Roma II of course.
Fans of Uncle Tony will have high hopes for the film. His death in 2018 while filming Parts Unknown shocked the world, many still reeling from the sudden and tragic loss. He will always be remembered as an incredible chef, a storyteller, and a purveyor of the truth. Here’s hoping this film does our hero justice.
