Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 21, 2025 · Entertainment

Dominic Sessa Channels Tragic Young Bourdain in Shocking Biopic First Look

A Hollywood star transformed into Anthony Bourdain while filming scenes for the upcoming biopic Tony earlier this week in Massachusetts

"Bourdain's Backstory: Dominic Sessa Transforms into Younger Tony in Massachusetts"

Get ready for a culinary journey down memory lane as rising star Dominic Sessa, 22, embodies the essence of Anthony Bourdain in an upcoming biopic about the late celebrity chef. The Hollywood heartthrob was spotted filming scenes on location in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where Bourdain got his start in the restaurant industry.

Sessa, who rose to fame with his critically acclaimed performance in "The Holdovers" (2023), is set to portray a younger Tony in the A24 project. The budding actor rocked a '70s-inspired look, complete with black flared trousers, a red button-up shirt, and a black leather jacket, as he shot scenes on a ferry. Brown curly hair added the perfect touch of nostalgia to his portrayal.

Dominic Sessa, 22, could be seen stepping into the shoes of a younger version of the late celebrity chef Bourdain (pictured in his youth) while on set of the A24 project in Provincetown on Thursday

As Sessa navigated the character's personality, it was clear that he was fully immersed in Bourdain's world. The actor was seen engaging in intense conversations with co-stars while leaning against a railing on the ferry, just as Tony would have done. It's no wonder Sessa has already made a name for himself in Hollywood; his dedication to his craft is evident.

The biopic, directed by Matt Johnson and written by Todd Bartels and Lou Howe, promises to be an emotional rollercoaster as it delves into Bourdain's formative years in Provincetown. Antonio Banderas has also joined the cast, although his role remains under wraps for now.

But what makes this biopic truly special is its focus on Tony's humble beginnings in the seaside town. Bourdain himself reflected on those magical times in an interview with Boston Magazine (2017), saying, "It's a very emotional place for me. I came of age there in the early '70s... it was predominantly gay, as it still is." He continued, "And I will say being in Provincetown when I was 17... it was boundless optimism."

Bourdain was known for starring in shows such as Travel Channel's No Reservations and Parts Unknown for CNN before his tragic death by suicide in 2018 at 61; seen in 2016 in NYC

Bourdain's journey began with his first job as a dishwasher in Provincetown, where he found solace in the blue-collar environment. As he reminisced to The Guardian (2017), "I only became happy — intensely satisfied — as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Provincetown... There was no blurred line, no grey area, no philosophical question to fret over." Little did he know that this experience would lay the foundation for his future culinary success.

But Bourdain's life wasn't without its challenges. He struggled with drug addiction during his youth and later quit heroin in the '80s. In a candid interview with The Guardian (2017), Tony admitted, "I was an unhappy soul, with a huge heroin and then crack problem... I hurt, disappointed and offended many, many, many people and I regret a lot."

Despite these setbacks, Bourdain went on to achieve widespread recognition through his television appearances. He hosted shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005-2012) on the Travel Channel and Explore Parts Unknown (2017), which earned him an Emmy win for Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series.

Sessa wore a pair of black flared trousers and a red button up which was layered with a black leather jacket, fitting the '70s time period

As we reflect on Tony's life, it's clear that his journey was marked by both triumphs and tribulations. But what remains is a legacy of passion, creativity, and a love for the culinary world. The upcoming biopic promises to be a must-see for fans of Bourdain, offering an intimate look at the man behind the apron.

Thescholarlynote.com has learned that Dominic Sessa will also appear in Tow (2025) alongside Rose Byrne, Ariana DeBose, Demi Lovato, and Octavia Spencer. He'll also star in Christmas comedy film Oh. What. Fun (2025), Now You See Me: Now You Don't (2025), and more.

Stay tuned for further updates on the biopic and Dominic Sessa's blossoming career.

Dominic was seen holding a conversation with another person while leaning against a railing as the ferry slowly moved along the water

While the official synopsis has remained under wraps, the biopic is expected to follow Bourdain's summer in 1976 in Provincetown, where he had his first introduction to the restaurant industry

Back in April, it was revealed that Antonio Banderas has also joined the cast, though his role is not yet known

The movie will be directed by Matt Johnson with a screenplay by Todd Bartels and Lou Howe

Sessa began his film career by portraying teenager Angus Tully in The Holdovers (2023) alongside Paul Giamatti (R) and Da'Vine Joy Randolph

'It's a very emotional place for me,' Bourdain said of Provincetown in an interview. 'I came of age there in the early '70s in a very magical, golden, naïve time that I don't think we'll see the likes of again'

The late star added that he had been 'a shy, goofy, awkward teenager. But in this blue collar, factory-like environment, there was no blurred line, no grey area, no philosophical question to fret over'; seen in 2000 in NYC

'I was an unhappy soul, with a huge heroin and then crack problem,' the chef told The Guardian; pictured in 2017 in LA