# Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony” release and reception > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-release > Updated: 2026-08-03T09:00:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 4. A24’s biopic *Tony*, directed by Matt Johnson and starring Dominic Sessa as a teenage Anthony Bourdain, dramatizes the chef’s 1975 summer in Provincetown and his early kitchen apprenticeship. After a July 2026 announcement, the film opened with a special advance screening for chefs and restaurateurs before a nationwide Canadian release on 14 August, where critics praised its coming‑of‑age energy, strong soundtrack, and raw emotional core while noting artistic liberties and limited coverage of Bourdain’s later fame. Early screenings abroad earned a 97 % positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers in the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary and other markets highlighted the high production values and compelling performances, with Antonio Banderas as mentor Ciro and Emilia Jones as love interest Nancy. Major outlets such as The Guardian, IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a deep, moving portrait. The Bourdain family has publicly endorsed the portrayal as a fitting tribute. The film’s rollout continues with a United Kingdom opening on 14 August and planned theatrical debuts in Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, where it will arrive on 10 September 2026 via distributor Continental Film. In the United States, fans and Bourdain’s brother Chris have debated whether the late chef would have approved of the depiction, adding a personal dimension to the film’s reception. ## Claims - A biopic titled 'Tony' about Anthony Bourdain is scheduled for release in 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Dominic Sessa plays the young Anthony Bourdain in the film. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Antonio Banderas portrays Bourdain's mentor chef Ciro in the film. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Critics have given generally positive reviews, describing the film as deep and moving. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The film 'Tony' is a biopic about Anthony Bourdain. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dominic Sessa plays the teenage Anthony Bourdain. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Matt Johnson directed and co‑wrote the film. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The film 'Tony' is a biographical drama about Anthony Bourdain directed by Matt Johnson. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The film focuses on a summer in 1975 when Bourdain worked in a restaurant kitchen in Provincetown, Cape Cod. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dominic Sessa portrays the teenage Anthony Bourdain in the film. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The film has a 97 % positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The film centers on a summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in 1975. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony' set for Czech release in September 2026 A24’s biopic “Tony” chronicles a pivotal summer in Anthony Bourdain’s early life, starring Antonio Banderas as his mentor. It opens in Czech cinemas on 10 Sept 2026, while U.S. fans and brother Chris Bourdain, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-set-for-czech-release-in-september-2026 ### 2026-07-31: Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony' earns 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of 2026 release The Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony', starring Dominic Sessa, has earned a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and strong critic praise ahead of its 2026 releases in the UK, Poland and Hungary. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-garners-rave-reviews-ahead-of-release ### 2026-07-28: Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony' opens in Canadian theatres Matt Johnson’s biopic 'Tony' dramatizes Anthony Bourdain’s 1975 Provincetown kitchen apprenticeship, starring Dominic Sessa. It opens in Canada on Aug 14 and receives mixed reviews for its limited scope. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-opens-in-canadian-theatres ### 2026-07-14: Anthony Bourdain Biopic 'Tony' Set for August Release The Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony', directed by Matt Johnson and starring Dominic Secca, will open in August, with a new behind‑the‑scenes featurette and a recent GQ Hype cover. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-set-for-august-release --- Cite as: Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony” release and reception. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anthony-bourdain-biopic-tony-release