Honestly, there’s something about a movie centered around food that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of a Sunday gravy simmering on the stove for eight hours, or maybe it’s just the idea of grandmothers taking over a professional kitchen and showing everyone how it’s actually done. When Netflix announced the cast of the Nonnas movie, it wasn't just another casting list; it was a lineup of heavy hitters that felt specifically designed to make you want to call your mother.
The film, which landed in May 2025, isn’t just some fluffy comedy. It’s a biographical dramedy directed by Stephen Chbosky—the guy who gave us The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Wonder—which means you should probably keep some tissues handy alongside your bowl of pasta. It’s based on the real-life story of Joe Scaravella, the man who opened Enoteca Maria in Staten Island.
If you haven't seen it yet, or you're just trying to figure out where you recognize everyone from, here is the lowdown on the people bringing this Staten Island staple to life.
Vince Vaughn as the Man with a Plan
Vince Vaughn plays Joe Scaravella, and it’s a bit of a departure from his "fast-talking wedding crasher" persona. Here, he’s a guy grieving the loss of his mother and grandmother. He’s vulnerable. He’s impulsive. He decides to blow his mother’s life insurance money on a restaurant despite having zero experience in the industry.
Vince brings this grounded, desperate energy to the role. You really feel for the guy when he’s trying to recreate his grandmother’s "Sunday gravy" and failing miserably because he can't figure out that one secret ingredient.
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The Legendary Nonnas: A Powerhouse Lineup
The real stars, the ones actually manning the burners, are a group of Hollywood legends. It’s rare to see this much talent in one kitchen.
Lorraine Bracco as Roberta If you grew up watching Goodfellas or The Sopranos, seeing Lorraine Bracco in an Italian kitchen feels like a warm hug. She plays Roberta, Joe’s mother’s best friend. She’s brassy, she’s loud, and she’s got a bit of a rivalry going with the other ladies. Bracco has this way of commanding a scene with just a look, and in Nonnas, she uses that to protect Joe like he’s her own.
Susan Sarandon as Gia Sarandon plays Gia, a former hairdresser who looked after Joe’s mom during her illness. She isn't a professional chef, but she’s a baker who puts everyone else to shame. Sarandon brings a softer, more bohemian vibe to the group, acting as a bit of a bridge when the other nonnas start clashing over whose regional recipe is superior.
Talia Shire as Teresa This was a casting masterstroke. Talia Shire—yes, Connie Corleone herself—plays Teresa. In the movie, she’s a former nun who left the convent and is a bit more reserved than the others. She’s diligent and quiet, but as the movie progresses, you find out she has a storied romantic history that the other women help her navigate. Seeing Shire back in this environment is just pure cinema magic.
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Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella Rounding out the main kitchen crew is Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella. She’s a widow who gets tipped off about the job by her neighbor. Vaccaro is hilarious. She brings this "I’ve seen it all" energy that perfectly balances out the more emotional beats of the film.
The Supporting Players
While the nonnas are the heart, the surrounding cast helps ground the story in the chaotic reality of Staten Island.
- Linda Cardellini (Olivia): She plays Joe’s high school crush and a lawyer who ends up being a massive help when the city bureaucracy tries to shut the restaurant down. Her chemistry with Vaughn is understated and sweet.
- Joe Manganiello (Bruno): He plays Joe’s best friend. He’s a contractor who helps build the restaurant, and he’s basically the voice of reason that Joe ignores for most of the movie.
- Drea de Matteo (Stella): Another Sopranos alum! She plays Bruno’s wife and helps Joe with the interior design of the restaurant.
- Michael Rispoli (Al): A street food vendor and quintessential Staten Islander.
- Campbell Scott (Edward Durant): He plays a high-end food critic who Joe desperately tries to impress.
Why This Cast Works So Well
The magic of the cast of the Nonnas movie isn't just their individual resumes. It’s the friction. In the film, and apparently in the real Enoteca Maria, these women don't always get along. They come from different regions of Italy—Sicily, Campania, etc.—and they have very specific opinions on how to handle a tomato.
Director Stephen Chbosky actually mentioned in interviews that he wanted characters with distinct personalities. You see that when Roberta and Antonella get into a shouting match over the "right" way to make a dish. It feels authentic because, well, it is. The real Joe Scaravella has admitted that he’s seen frying pans raised in his actual kitchen.
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The Real Story Behind the Script
It’s worth noting that while the characters in the movie are fictionalized, they are heavily inspired by the real women who worked at Enoteca Maria. The real Joe Scaravella started the restaurant in 2007. He was a transportation worker for the MTA who just wanted to preserve his family’s culture.
The "Sunday gravy" subplot? That’s real. The struggle to get a health inspection? Also real. There’s even a scene where one of the chefs gets on her knees to pray for a successful inspection, which is a direct lift from an event that happened to the real Joe.
What to Do After Watching
If you've finished the movie and now you're starving, here are a few ways to keep the "Nonna" energy going:
- Visit the Real Deal: If you’re ever in New York, Enoteca Maria is located at 27 Hyatt Street on Staten Island. Just a heads up—it’s only open Friday through Sunday and reservations are a must. They now feature "Nonnas of the World," so you might find grandmothers from Argentina, Sri Lanka, or Poland cooking alongside the Italian ladies.
- Grab the Cookbook: Joe Scaravella released a book called Nonna's House: Cooking and Reminiscing with the Italian Grandmothers of Enoteca Maria. It’s filled with the actual recipes that inspired the film.
- Watch the Credits: Stay through the end of the film on Netflix. There are some great photos of the real-life grandmothers who have worked in the kitchen over the last two decades.
The cast of the Nonnas movie successfully captured a very specific New York vibe—one that’s less about the hustle and more about the heart. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back at what the previous generation left on the table.