Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman team up in cycling thriller ‘Pumping Black’

Film follows ageing cyclist and doctor in Tour de France push with psychological stakes and hidden secrets

Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman are set to lead Pumping Black, a psychological thriller set in the high pressure world of professional cycling, with Fresh director Mimi Cave attached to helm the project. The film is being launched for international sales by Anton at the Cannes market, with CAA co-representing U.S. rights.

The story follows cyclist Taylor Mace, played by Jonathan Bailey, who finds himself confronting the reality of ageing out of elite competition at 35. His career takes a darker turn when he becomes involved with Andrea Lathe, a doctor portrayed by Natalie Portman, who is driven by ambition, control and a relentless desire for success. As the narrative builds towards the Tour de France, Taylor is forced into increasingly risky decisions in order to protect a secret that threatens both his career and personal survival.

The film has been described as an adrenaline fuelled psychological thriller, drawing tonal comparisons to Whiplash and Black Swan. Those references suggest a focus on psychological intensity, obsession and the emotional cost of elite performance, rather than a traditional sports drama structure. The competitive cycling setting provides a backdrop where physical endurance and mental instability intersect under extreme pressure.

Mimi Cave, whose previous work includes the 2022 horror film Fresh and the 2025 comedy mystery Holland, directs from a screenplay by Haley Hope Bartels. Her involvement signals a continued interest in genre driven storytelling with heightened emotional stakes and stylised tension.

The production team includes Stacey Sher under Shiny Penny, Cave herself, Anton’s Sébastien Raybaud, and Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas through their company MountainA. Anton is fully financing the project, with production currently scheduled for the autumn period. The collaboration brings together experienced producers known for both studio and independent cinema, with a focus on international market appeal.

Jonathan Bailey, who recently achieved major box office success through Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good, continues to expand his presence in large scale film projects. Natalie Portman, an Academy Award winner for Black Swan, adds further prestige to the cast, alongside her ongoing work as a producer through MountainA.

The project is positioned as a significant genre title for the upcoming market cycle, with its Cannes launch expected to generate early global interest from distributors.