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Antonio Banderas Reveals New Details on A24’s ‘Tony,’ Reframing Anthony Bourdain’s Early Years

At the Torino Film Festival, Banderas described playing a Brazilian-born composite mentor in a character-driven take on Bourdain’s formative struggles.

Overview

  • A24’s Matt Johnson directs Tony, a reimagined biopic focusing on Anthony Bourdain’s early life rather than a cradle‑to‑grave portrait.
  • Dominic Sessa portrays the young Tony, whose cooking begins to take shape through a pivotal mentorship.
  • Banderas said the story explores Bourdain’s post‑university aim to write alongside battles with depression and drug addiction.
  • Production ran for about six weeks in Cape Cod and Newport, with Banderas recalling daily fish cleaning as part of the on‑set culinary realism.
  • Banderas noted his mentor character is a composite figure, distinct from Provincetown restaurateur Ciro Cozzi, as he discussed the film while receiving a Torino lifetime achievement award.