Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony' earns 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of 2026 release
The upcoming biographical film "Tony" chronicles the early career of celebrated chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain. Directed by Matt Johnson, the movie stars Dominic Sessa as a 19‑year‑old Bourdain, with Antonio Banderas portraying his demanding mentor Ciro and Emilia Jones playing his love interest Nancy. The story follows Bourdain’s transformative summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he first entered a chaotic restaurant kitchen.
Early screenings have drawn strong acclaim. Critics in the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary and elsewhere praise the film as a deep, moving portrait, noting its high production values and compelling performances. Review‑aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes records a 97 % positive rating, and major outlets such as The Guardian, IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter have highlighted its emotional depth and coming‑of‑age narrative. The Bourdain family has also endorsed the project, calling it a fitting tribute.
"Tony" is slated for release in 2026, with a United Kingdom opening on 14 August and expected theatrical debuts in the fall across Poland and Hungary. The film is produced by A24 and is anticipated to become a notable entry in the studio’s slate of acclaimed releases.
Entities: A24 · Anthony Bourdain · Antonio Banderas · Dominic Sessa · Matt Johnson
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] A biopic titled 'Tony' about Anthony Bourdain is scheduled for release in 2026. (All articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The film has a 97 % positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. (Polish and English articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The UK theatrical release is scheduled for 14 August 2026. (English article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The film depicts a 19‑year‑old Bourdain's summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he entered a restaurant kitchen. (English and Hungarian articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Critics have given generally positive reviews, describing the film as deep and moving. (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Antonio Banderas portrays Bourdain's mentor chef Ciro in the film. (All articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matt Johnson is the director of the film. (Polish articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Dominic Sessa plays the young Anthony Bourdain in the film. (All articles)