Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

As a food enthusiast and storyteller, I can’t help but be deeply saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. His life was not just about food; it was about bridging cultures, breaking down barriers, and showing us the beauty in our differences. He took us on a journey through the unexplored corners of the world, introducing us to people, places, and experiences we would never have encountered otherwise.


A film biography centered on the much-loved deceased chef Anthony Bourdain, tentatively called “Tony,” is currently being developed. Actor Dominic Sessa is reportedly discussing the role of portraying Bourdain.

On Monday, sources close to the situation revealed to Deadline that young actor Sessa (aged 21) – praised by critics for his performance in last year’s The Holdovers – has been cast as the lead in a film produced by Star Thrower Entertainment. Additionally, it appears that A24 is considering acquiring the rights to this movie.

As a die-hard fan, I can barely contain my excitement as Matt Johnson has been tapped to helm the upcoming movie! The brilliant minds of Lou Howe and Todd Bartels are penning the script, while Emily Rose serves as an executive producer and the talented duo Tim and Trevor White from Star Thrower are also on board as producers. This news alone has sent my enthusiasm soaring, with Deadline confirming the details!

Star Thrower Production Company has previously achieved acclaim in biopic films, such as the 2021 movie “King Richard,” which garnered a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Notably, Will Smith was recognized with an award for Best Actor in this production.

It was not immediately clear at which point of Bourdain’s life in which the biopic would be set.

Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

In June 2018, Anthony Bourdain took his life by hanging in a hotel room located at the Le Chambard hotel in Kaysersberg, France. This tragic event occurred.

The influential and opinionated celeb chef had been in the area making his CNN series Parts Unknown.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bourdain honed his skills as a chef, particularly in New York City. He eventually reached the role of Executive Chef at Brasserie Les Halles.

Anthony Bourdain saw a significant boost in his public image following the 1999 publication of his essay series titled “Don’t Read This on an Empty Stomach” in The New Yorker magazine.

He became what Deadline described as ‘an instant star on the media food scene’ for his frank, blunt manner of communication that separated him from his peers.

Over multiple television networks, he presented and featured in several cooking-themed programs, such as Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown on CNN, Raw Craft, The Mind of a Chef on PBS, The Taste, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel.

His stardom ascended significantly following the publication of his 2000 book “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underworld,” a unique blend of personal anecdotes from his life and career, as well as his insights into the restaurant industry.

Following his passing, Bourdain was deeply missed by many, both fans and famous figures whom he had interacted with throughout his life, who expressed their sympathies.

Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star
Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

Back in 2016, I had the incredible fortune of joining Anthony Bourdain on his journey through Parts Unknown, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of life-changing. He didn’t just teach us about food; he enlightened us on its power to bridge divides and diminish our fear of the unfamiliar.

Renowned chef Jamie Oliver, posting on Instagram, expressed that the demise of the pioneering gastronome has left a vast void in the culinary world that cannot be filled by any other, affecting both chefs and enthusiasts alike.

The year before his death, Bourdain garnered attention for his vocal critique against then-President Donald Trump, as well as for standing in solidarity with the women’s movement during the #MeToo era.

Back then, Asia Argento, an actress who was dating Bourdain at the time, claimed that Harvey Weinstein, now a convicted producer, had sexually assaulted her.

Bourdain said at the time on Medium, ‘I stand unhesitatingly and unwaveringly with the women.’

In a tweet after Bourdain’s death, Argento expressed deep sadness, stating that his extraordinary, bold spirit had reached and motivated countless individuals, and his selfless nature had no limits.

Actress Rose McGowan, who has previously accused Weinstein of sexual assault, expressed in an online video, ‘Anthony, I’m furious with you – you were so cherished, the world is not improved without you. For those contemplating suicide as a response to a short-term issue, I urge you to contact a hotline.’

Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star
Anthony Bourdain biopic in the works with award season darling Dominic Sessa in talks to star

Bourdain was father to daughter Ariane Bourdain, 17, with then-wife Ottavia Busia-Bourdain.

2008 struck a profound shift within me, as I spoke candidly with AP about my transformation. “Now that I’ve become a father,” I admitted, “I feel an unwavering sense of duty to strive for excellence and refrain from any actions that might be recklessly self-damaging.”

Apart from displaying local cuisine, Parts Unknown also offered a glimpse into the native culture, focusing on areas untouched by heavy tourist traffic. The first season’s journey through Japan, for instance, featured an unusual robot show and a night with a death metal band, as well as a dinner experience with a woman connected to the city’s alternative BDSM scene.

Bourdain was reluctant to analyze why his series succeeded.

He shared with AP that if one focuses too much on the audience’s presumed tastes and expectations, it could lead to subpar and average outcomes. Instead, he advised, present the most engaging story possible in the best way you can. If it captivates your interest, it might do the same for others. If television is not made this way, it’s simply trying to please people.

Anthony Bourdain, born in the bustling city of New York, spent his childhood in Leonia, a town nestled in New Jersey. His fondness for food ignited during a family trip to France as a youngster, when he savored his initial oyster. He was open about his battles, admitting that drug abuse prompted him to leave Vassar College after just two years.

Through his experience in restaurant work, he found himself enrolling at the Culinary Institute of America and graduating in 1978. Post-graduation, he started working in kitchens across New York City. In 1998, he was appointed as the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles.

In the introduction to the most recent version of Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain expressed astonishment over the book’s popularity, admitting that he penned it by waking up early at 5 a.m., grabbing a few hours at the computer before his shift began at the saute station for lunch.

He said he never intended to write an expose or to ‘rip the lid off the restaurant business,’ as he said he liked the restaurant business the way it was.

As a lifestyle expert, I aim to pen a book that resonates with my fellow culinary enthusiasts. My goal is to create an engaging narrative that feels authentic, as if we’re having a relaxed chat over some cold drinks at ten o’clock on a Saturday night, after a long dinner service, sharing stories and laughter in the heart of the kitchen.

As a devoted admirer putting it in my own words, I used to feel like Bourdain was speaking solely to the chef community when sharing his insights. Little did he know, folks far beyond the culinary realm were hanging onto every word he said!

As a devoted follower of the culinary world, I must admit that the surge of celebrity chefs has been both intriguing and somewhat exasperating. It’s undeniably beneficial for business, including my own, but there’s an undercurrent of amusement among many in our profession. After all, out of all professions, it’s hard to imagine anyone less prepared for sudden public scrutiny than a chef.

For discreet assistance within the United Kingdom, reach out to the Samaritans by dialing 116 123, or explore more details on their website at www.samaritans.org. In the United States, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).

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2024-08-13 07:51

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