Matt Johnson’s Latest Film Explores the Early Life of Culinary Icon Anthony Bourdain
TORONTO — Independent entertainment company A24 has announced that TONY, a new feature film chronicling the formative years of celebrated chef, author and television personality Anthony Bourdain, will be released in Canadian theatres on Aug. 14, 2026.
Directed by Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson, best known for the critically acclaimed business drama BlackBerry, the film traces a pivotal chapter in Bourdain’s youth, long before he became one of the most recognizable figures in global food and travel media.
The announcement marks another high-profile project for Johnson, whose recent work has attracted international attention for its character-driven storytelling and exploration of influential cultural figures.
Film Focuses on a Defining Summer in Bourdain’s Youth
Set in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in 1975, TONY follows a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain as he enters the demanding and unpredictable environment of a restaurant kitchen. According to the film’s synopsis, the experience becomes a defining moment that shapes the course of his life and future career.
The production is described as an origin story that captures the energy, ambition and uncertainty of a young man who would later become one of the culinary world’s most influential voices.
“Directed by Matt Johnson (BlackBerry), TONY, is the electric origin story of one of the modern era’s most beloved icons, Anthony Bourdain.
Provincetown in 1975. A kid from New Jersey crashes into the heat of a kitchen alongside a renegade crew of cooks, pirates, and degenerates – restless, reckless, and hungry for something he couldn’t yet name. TONY is a raw portrait of a young man becoming someone the world would never forget. In Canadian theatres on August 14, 2026.”
The film arrives amid continuing interest in Bourdain’s life and legacy. Since his death in 2018, documentaries, books and retrospectives have highlighted his impact on food culture, travel journalism and storytelling.
Cast Features Emerging and Established Talent
Leading the cast is Dominic Sessa, whose breakout performance in The Holdovers earned widespread critical acclaim. He stars alongside Emilia Jones, known for her award-winning role in CODA.
The supporting cast includes Dagmara Domińczyk of Succession, Rich Sommer of Mad Men, and comedian Stavros Halkias. The production also features Leo Woodall and Academy Award-nominated actor Antonio Banderas.
Industry observers note that the combination of emerging talent and established performers reflects A24’s approach to balancing commercial appeal with critically driven storytelling.
Canadian Filmmaker Matt Johnson Continues Momentum Following ‘BlackBerry’
For Canadian audiences, the film represents another major project from Johnson, whose 2023 feature BlackBerry earned praise for its portrayal of the rise and fall of the Canadian technology company behind the iconic smartphone.
Johnson co-wrote TONY alongside Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels and Lou Howe. The film is produced by Tim White, Trevor White, Matthew Miller and Johnson.
The production team includes cinematographer Michael Bauman, production designer Ryan Warren Smith, editors Curt Lobb and Robert Upchurch, costume designer Chloe Karmin and composer Jay McCarrol.
A24 Expands Portfolio of High-Profile Productions
The release also adds to A24’s growing slate of feature films and television projects. Founded in New York in 2012, the company has built a reputation for producing and distributing critically acclaimed independent films and series.
Over the past decade, A24 has been behind award-winning productions including Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Uncut Gems, The Brutalist and Backrooms. The company reports that its productions have collectively earned more than 21 Academy Awards, 20 Golden Globes and 19 Emmy Awards.
Upcoming projects on the studio’s slate include Primetime starring Robert Pattinson, The Debut directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starring Julianne Moore, Club Kid directed by and starring Jordan Firstman, and an adaptation of the video game Elden Ring featuring Kit Connor.
With a Canadian theatrical release set for Aug. 14, 2026, TONY aims to introduce audiences to the little-known chapter of Anthony Bourdain’s life that helped shape one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation.