Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman’s Thriller ‘Pumping Black’ Heads to Amazon After Cannes Market Deal
Amazon Acquires International Rights to Psychological Thriller "Pumping Black" at Cannes
In a significant move at the Cannes market, Amazon has secured the majority of international rights to the psychological thriller Pumping Black, featuring Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman.
Set against the intense backdrop of professional cycling, Pumping Black is reminiscent of acclaimed films such as Whiplash and Black Swan. The story follows Taylor Mace, a 35-year-old cyclist grappling with the harsh realities of aging out of his sport. Under the guidance of Andrea Lathe, a doctor driven by her own ambitions, Taylor navigates increasingly dark paths to keep his secrets safe as the Tour de France approaches.
Sources indicate that the streaming deal is valued in the early twenties, potentially marking it as one of the largest transactions occurring during the festival.
Anton Corporation is managing international rights and financing for the project, which has garnered attention from both studios and independent buyers, promising a fruitful environment for further deal-making. CAA Media Finance is co-representing world rights and played a key role in facilitating this deal.
Mimi Cave, known for her work on the 2022 horror film Fresh, will direct Pumping Black. She is set to work from a screenplay written by Haley Hope Bartels. Cave’s upcoming projects also include the 2025 comedy-mystery film Holland, starring Nicole Kidman.
Production for Pumping Black is scheduled to begin this fall, with Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny production company, Anton’s Sébastien Raybaud, and Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas of MountainA signed on as producers.
“Haley’s script immediately pulled us into a visceral, psychological world that feels both thrilling and completely original,” Sher commented on the project.
Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, is fresh off Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actress Portman is currently in post-production for Lena Dunham’s Netflix film Good Sex, and she recently produced and provided her voice for the Oscar-nominated animated feature Arco. Anton is also presenting their horror film Victorian Psycho at the Cannes festival.
