A24 has released the trailer for "Tony," a new biopic depicting the early career of chef and author Anthony Bourdain [1, 2, 3].
The film provides a look at the formative years of a global cultural icon, focusing on the professional struggles and environments that shaped his perspective on food and travel.
Dominic Sessa portrays the young Bourdain in the production [1, 2]. The narrative is set in 1976 [1], focusing on Bourdain's early work within the restaurant industry in the U.S. [1, 2]. The trailer, which debuted this week in August 2026 [2], highlights the gritty atmosphere of professional kitchens during that era.
The production aims to capture the entry of Bourdain into the culinary world [2, 3]. By centering the story on the mid-1970s, the film explores the specific pressures and culture of the American dining scene that Bourdain would later chronicle in his writing.
While the trailer for "Tony" has generated significant interest, some early reports have confused the project with other media. Specifically, reports regarding a spin-off series for "NCIS: Tony & Ziva" have appeared alongside news of the A24 biopic, though the two projects are unrelated.
“Dominic Sessa portrays the young Bourdain in the production”
The release of 'Tony' suggests a cinematic interest in the 'pre-fame' era of Bourdain's life, moving away from his later years as a television host to examine the systemic nature of the 1970s restaurant industry. By focusing on 1976, A24 is positioning the film as a period piece that explores the intersection of labor and culinary art.
