Natalie Portman has reportedly secured her next acting gig, a psychological thriller in which she will team up with Jurassic World: Rebirth star Jonathan Bailey. An official release date for the film hasn’t been set. However, it is expected to begin production later this year.
Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey to star in psychological thriller about professional cycling
Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey are set to star opposite each other in Pumping Black, as per Variety. Bailey first gained worldwide recognition through Netflix’s romantic drama, Bridgerton, before building on his fame through leading roles in Wicked, its sequel Wicked: For Good, and Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Pumping Black is reportedly set against the backdrop of the competitive world of professional cycling, with its tone being compared to the films Whiplash and Black Swan, the latter of which won Portman her Oscar for Best Actress. The upcoming film will follow cyclist Taylor Mace, who, at 35, realizes he is becoming too old for the sport. He meets Andrea Lathe, a doctor fueled by her own drive to win, who takes him under her wing, resulting in a dark secret that Mace must protect.
Mimi Cave will direct from Haley Hope Bartels’ screenplay. The former’s previous credits include Fresh, co-starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, and Nicole Kidman’s Holland. In addition, Cave is producing the movie with Stacey Sher (Shiny Penny), Sébastien Raybaud (Anton), Portman, and Sophie Mas (MountainA). Furthermore, Anton, who is funding the feature, will launch Pumping Black’s international sales at Cannes, with CAA co-representing the United States. Filming is scheduled to begin in the fall.
Portman is currently awaiting the theatrical release of her new film The Gallerist, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. She is also preparing for the Netflix debut of Lena Dunham’s Good Sex. The romantic comedy co-stars Mark Ruffalo, Meg Ryan, Rashida Jones, Tucker Pillsbury, and Tramell Tillman.
The Academy Award-winning actress was last seen in Apple TV+’s Fountain of Youth, appearing opposite John Krasinski, and headlined the miniseries Lady in the Lake. She also lent her voice to the animated musical comedy The Twits.