In the biggest deal at Cannes so far, Amazon MGM Studios has reportedly acquired the worldwide rights to “Fresh” and “Holland” director Mimi Cave’s cycling-themed psychological thriller “Pumping Black”.
The deal, the first major one of the Cannes market this year, is reportedly worth around $20 million – a figure that may not be topped.
As revealed the other day, “Wicked” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth” star Jonathan Bailey, an avid cyclist and triathlete in real life, leads the sports film alongside Natalie Portman.
Bailey plays Taylor Mace, a competitor in the cutthroat world of professional cycling who finds himself aging out of the sport at 35 years old.
He is taken under the wing of Andrea Lathe (Portman), a doctor driven by her own thirst for victory and power. As the race to the Tour de France progresses, Taylor must take increasingly dark measures to protect his secret.
Haley Hope Bartels pens the film, which is reportedly in the tone of “Black Swan” and “Whiplash”. Stacey Sher, Sébastien Raybaud, Portman and Sophie Mas will produce the film, which will shoot this Fall.
Source: Deadline
