Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey join forces

Rising Hollywood star Jonathan Bailey has landed a new film role. After being crowned the box office king of 2025 thanks to “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Wicked: For Good,” the actor now joins forces with Oscar winner Natalie Portman in “Pumping Black,” a psychological thriller set in the competitive and brutal world of professional cycling.

The film will be directed by Mimi Cave, best known for the 2022 horror film “Fresh,” starring Daisy Edgar Jones and Sebastian Stan, and the 2025 comedy-mystery film “Holland,” starring Nicole Kidman. Cave is directing from a screenplay by Hayley Hope Bartels.

“Pumping Black” follows cyclist Taylor Mays, who at the age of 35 feels he is slowly slipping away from professional sports. He is taken under the wing of Andrea Leith, a doctor driven by her own thirst for victory and power. As the Tour de France progresses, Taylor must take increasingly dark steps to protect his secret. According to the description, it is an “adrenaline-fueled and dangerous thriller” that has been compared to the films “Whiplash” and “Black Swan.”

The film is produced by Stacy Sher (“The Hateful Eight,” “Heretic”), Cave, as well as Natalie Portman and Sophie Maas.

"Hayley's script immediately drew us into a psychological world that feels both exciting and completely original. I'm excited to collaborate with Natalie on this bold project, as well as with Jonathan, whose talent makes him perfect for this role," said Cher.

After breaking through in the Netflix hit “Bridgerton,” Bailey won over blockbuster audiences with the “Wicked: For Good” franchise and the “Jurassic World Rebirth” film. The combined grosses of these films — “Rebirth” with $869 million globally and “Wicked: For Good” with $540 million — made him the highest-grossing actor of 2025.

Portman won an Oscar for “Black Swan,” and is also known for her acclaimed roles in the films “Jackie” and “V for Vendetta,” as well as the “Star Wars” and “Thor” franchises. On television, she starred in and served as executive producer on the series “Lady in the Lake.” Upcoming projects for her MountainA production company include “The Gallerist,” directed by Kathy Jan, and “Good Sex,” written by Lena Dunham.