Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman cast in thriller ‘Pumping Black’

Jonathan Bailey, Hollywood’s newest leading actor, has landed a role in a new movie.

After being named the box office top star of 2025 with hits “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Wicked: For Good,” he's set to join forces with Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, known for “May December” and “Black Swan,” in “Pumping Black,” a psychological thriller exploring the intense and competitive universe of professional cycling.

Anton will handle international sales at Cannes, with CAA co-representing for the US.

The movie will be helmed by Mimi Cave, recognised for the 2022 horror “Fresh” featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, as well as the 2025 comedy-mystery “Holland” starring Nicole Kidman. Cave will work from a script crafted by Haley Hope Bartels.

“Pumping Black” tells the story of cyclist Taylor Mace, who at 35, finds his career in cycling nearing its end. 

He gets guidance from Andrea Lathe, a doctor with an intense desire for success. As the Tour de France draws closer, Taylor faces increasingly risky choices to safeguard his secret. 

The story is described as an “adrenaline-charged, high-stakes thriller,” similar to the likes of “Whiplash” and “Black Swan.”

The production is backed by Stacey Sher from Shiny Penny (“The Hateful Eight,” “Heretic”), Cave, Anton’s Sébastien Raybaud (“Victorian Psycho”), and Natalie Portman along with Sophie Mas from MountainA (“May December,” “Arco”). Anton is financing the full project, which is set to start filming in the fall.

“Right from the first read, Haley’s script pulled us into a vivid, psychological realm that feels both exciting and unique,” shared Sher. 

“I’m thrilled to join forces with Natalie and MountainA on this daring endeavor and to collaborate with Jonathan, whose talent fits the role perfectly. I’m eager to team up with Anton and bring Mimi Cave’s remarkable vision to fruition.”

Following his breakout role in Netflix’s hit “Bridgerton,” Bailey has captivated a global audience with the “Wicked” series and “Jurassic World Rebirth.” 

The massive success at the global box office, with “Rebirth” earning $869 million worldwide, and “Wicked: For Good” bringing in $540 million, established him as 2025’s top-grossing star.

Portman, on the other hand, clinched an Oscar for “Black Swan” and is acclaimed for her performances in films like “Jackie,” “V for Vendetta,” and franchises such as “Star Wars” and “Thor.” 

On TV, she starred in and executive produced Apple TV’s series “Lady in the Lake.” Her MountainA label is also working on upcoming films including “The Gallerist” directed by Cathy Yan, and Lena Dunham’s “Good Sex.”

Stacey Sher, a prolific producer, has been involved in over 24 major films accumulating nearly $2.7 billion in box office revenues. 

She is well-known for her projects with filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction,” “Django Unchained,” “The Hateful Eight”) and Steven Soderbergh (“Erin Brockovich,” “Out of Sight” and “Contagion”), alongside films like “Garden State,” “Reality Bites,” “Get Shorty,” “Man on the Moon,” “Gattaca,” and “Respect.”

She's currently producing the Amazon/MGM erotic thriller “Verity,” directed by Michael Showalter and featuring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.

Anton’s lineup at the Cannes market includes “My Darling California,” a star-studded crime thriller featuring Jessica Chastain, Chris Evans, Chris Pine, Mikey Madison, Charles Melton, and Don Cheadle, as well as “In Love,” a contemporary romance story with George Clooney and Annette Bening. 

They recently unveiled the alien invasion thriller “Soon You Will Be Gone and Possibly Eaten” starring Sophie Wilde and Dave Franco, “Doctor Caligari’s Cabinet of Wonders” with Michael Shannon, and “Starman,” a poignant journey starring Brendan Fraser.