Joe Manganiello stars alongside Vince Vaughn and a stellar lineup of Italian-American actresses in the upcoming dramedy “Nonnas,” set to premiere on Netflix on May 9. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film dives into the true story behind Enoteca Maria, the renowned Italian restaurant located on Staten Island.
Manganiello, who has Sicilian roots, views his role as a meaningful opportunity to connect with his heritage. The film revolves around Jody “Joe” Scaravella, portrayed by Vaughn, who finds solace in traditional Italian recipes after the loss of his mother. Encouraged by his best friend Bruno, played by Manganiello, Joe uses his inheritance to establish Enoteca Maria, committing to employ local Italian grandmothers — or “nonnas” — as chefs to honor familial traditions.
For Manganiello, known for his roles in “True Blood” and the “Magic Mike” series, playing an Italian character was a rare and special opportunity. He expressed that his unique heritage, which includes Croatian and German ancestry, has often led to him not being cast in Italian roles. He shared, “There were nuanced, funny things about being Italian that I felt like I understood.”
The film also highlights the dynamics of Italian relationships, as depicted through the characters Bruno and his wife Stella, played by Drea de Matteo. Manganiello explained that the script beautifully captures the affectionate bickering common in Italian couples, underscoring the film’s heartfelt narrative.
Manganiello, who recently gained Italian citizenship, embarked on a three-year journey to trace his family’s roots, particularly through his grandmother from Messina, Sicily. He described his dream of having a place in Italy, highlighting the deep connection he feels to his Italian heritage.
“Nonnas” features a remarkable ensemble of iconic actresses, including Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, and Susan Sarandon, who share the screen as the culinary grandmothers. The cast formed a close bond over numerous meals, including experiences at the real Enoteca Maria. Manganiello fondly recalled enjoying meals and exchanging stories about their illustrious film careers, making for a rich and collaborative filming experience.
Fans of heartfelt stories and culinary passion can look forward to “Nonnas,” which is set to stream on Netflix soon. The film promises to celebrate not only delicious food but also the importance of family, heritage, and love.