Vince Vaughn Praises The Real-Life Inspiration Behind His Nonnas’ Character: “He’s A Real Artist”

Vince Vaughn’s new Netflix film, Nonnas, is based on the true story of Joe Scaravella who started a restaurant after the pᴀssing of his mother. The thing that sets this apart from others, however, is that he has hired Nonnas to cook for his guests. These women are able to share their family recipes, bringing a whole new meaning to the term, “when you are here, you are family.” Vaughn was able to meet Scaravella, whom he praises.

Vaughn portrays Scaravella in Nonnas, starring alongside Susan Sarandon, Joe Manganiello, Linda Cardellini, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro. This heartwarming story follows Scaravella on his transformative journey seeking a renewed sense of purpose. Nonnas comes to Netflix on May 9.

ScreenRant caught up with Vince Vaughn to discuss Nonnas and his experience eating at Scaravella’s restaurant, Enoteca Maria. He reveals what he thinks this film celebrates and why it is going to mean a lot to a lot of people. Vaughn also teases that Dodgeball 2 could be happening, but maybe not as soon as fans hope.

Vince Vaughn Connected To So Many Elements Of Nonnas That He Knew He Needed To Be A Part Of It

“I Was Really Impressed With Joe Scaravella”

There is something special about Nonnas. It is a charming film that celebrates family, age, and friendship. Vaughn connected with a lot of the themes, starting “I like movies that are exploring things in life, moments, experiences. I think one of the powerful things about the movie is you have the perspective of being a kid for all of us, and what that is in those family events. And then it kind of flashes forward, and you realize the impact of being in a very different stage of life.

The older generation is shown the love that it deserves in this film, which Vaughn was immediately drawn to. “I was raised with my granny in the house with me, and so I really loved that this was a real place and a true story. I’d never heard of the restaurant, but Joe created a place where he brought Italian grandmothers to be the cooks to make the recipes that were their family, recipes that they used to feed their family and to celebrate life. I thought that was such an interesting idea and such a great send-up to these ladies and this culture.

I think what a lot of people want is love and connection and good experiences and relationships and bonds that are meaningful.

Then you’re dealing with the loss of a parent, but recognizing where they’re alive – in spirit and food – and what they taught you, and searching for that bond, that connection,” Vaughn goes on to explain. “And what does that next chapter look like for someone? What do you do with these feelings? And how do you create community and family? I think what a lot of people want is love and connection and good experiences and relationships and bonds that are meaningful.

Scaravella makes a cameo in Nonnas, but Vaughn was also able to meet him, at his restaurant, and experience the food and atmosphere that he worked so hard to create. “I had the pleasure of going down and meeting him. I was really impressed with him. He’s a real artist. He loved creating the experience. He was focused on the idea of it.” He also praises the writer of the film, Liz Maccie, who was inspired by Joe’s story. “When they came to me, I just connected to so many elements of the film. It was nice. I think it’s a kind of movie that people want to see, where it’s about something. It’s about people, you’re dealing with stuff, but there’s some humor and some laughter and some feelings in it, too.

Just Like The Film Celebrates The Nonnas, It Celebrates The Actresses That Play Them, Too

“This Was Really A Celebration And A Spotlight And A Send Up To All Of Them And Their Craft”

Four incredibly talented actresses who have been in many memorable films play the Nonnas in the movie: Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro. Vaughn says they are “iconic” and “wonderful actresses” before adding that they are also “part of so many touchstone movies.

It was a joy to be with all of them and to watch them, and to get to ask questions about all these great movies that they’ve been in,” Vaughn admits. “The art imitates life. This was really a celebration and a spotlight and a send-up to all of them and their craft, as much as [Enoteca Maria] is a place for these chefs.

Dodgeball Fans Shouldn’t Give Up Hope For A Sequel Just Yet

“I Would Only Do One Of These Sequels To One Of These Movies If I Thought The Next Story Was A Good Story”

Dodgeball 2 rumors have been swirling for a while now, with the sequel seemingly announced back in 2023, but with no updates since. When asked about it, Vaughn admits that there is a story, but they aren’t starting filming anytime soon. “There’s been a good idea for the story that’s fun and good, and it’s not like something that we’re planning on doing right this second.

Vaughn goes on to say that he would only do a follow-up to one of his iconic films if the story is right. “But there’s a good idea, and it’s possible. I would only do one of these sequels to one of these movies if I thought the next story was a good story for what would come next, and not just trying to do the version of what you saw. So, yeah, there’s definitely a possibility of that.

Be sure to check out our other Nonnas interviews:

  • Lorraine Bracco & Brenda Vaccaro
  • Joe Manganiello
  • Director Stephen Chbosky & Screenwriter Liz Maccie

Nonnas starts streaming on Netflix on May 9.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

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