Jonathan Bailey is continuing his massive Hollywood streak with another major project. The Bridgerton, Wicked, and Jurassic World Rebirth star is officially teaming up with Oscar winner Natalie Portman for a new psychological thriller titled Pumping Black. The upcoming film, directed by Fresh filmmaker Mimi Cave, is set in the intense and ruthless world of professional cycling and is already being described as a dark, adrenaline-fueled thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Whiplash.
According to the official synopsis, Bailey will play Taylor Mace, a 35-year-old cyclist struggling to stay relevant in an unforgiving sport that constantly demands younger and stronger competitors.
Portman will portray Andrea Lathe, a doctor who takes Taylor under her wing as his obsession with victory slowly pushes him into increasingly dangerous territory.
As Taylor chases the Tour de France dream, the psychological pressure reportedly begins spiraling into something much darker.
The project will be launched for international sales at Cannes by Anton, while CAA is handling U.S. representation.
The screenplay comes from Haley Hope Bartels, with production scheduled to begin later this fall.
The movie also marks another high-profile collaboration for Natalie Portman, who continues expanding her work as both an actress and producer through her company MountainA.
Portman has recently balanced prestige dramas with large franchise work, from Black Swan and Jackie to Thor and Star Wars. Meanwhile, Bailey has quickly become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising leading men following the enormous success of Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth.
In fact, reports claim Bailey became the highest-grossing actor of 2025 after the combined box office success of both films.
Director Mimi Cave has also built a reputation for visually intense psychological storytelling following the success of Fresh starring Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Given the creative team involved, Pumping Black is already generating serious buzz ahead of Cannes.
The film’s combination of psychological obsession, elite sports pressure, and dark character drama could easily make it one of the most talked-about upcoming thrillers currently in development.