Actors Lukas Gage and Alex Akpobome have joined the cast of Pumping Black, an upcoming psychological horror thriller starring Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey. Directed by Mimi Cave, the film is reportedly being developed in the vein of acclaimed titles such as Black Swan and Whiplash, with a story centered on ambition, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success.
Set in the highly competitive world of professional cycling, Pumping Black will feature Portman and Bailey in leading roles alongside Gage and Akpobome, according to Deadline. Gage is known for his work in The White Lotus, Euphoria, Smile, You, and Voicemails for Isabelle. He played Dillon in HBO’s The White Lotus. Akpobome, meanwhile, has appeared in projects including Mr. Crocket, Twenties, Industry, and Based on a True Story. He portrayed Daniel Van Deventer in Industry.
The film is currently in pre-production, with production expected to begin in fall 2026, according to Variety.
Pumping Black follows Taylor Mace, a professional cyclist determined to remain at the top of his sport despite growing concerns about aging and losing his competitive edge. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Andrea Lathe, a doctor who helps him confront the challenges surrounding his career and personal life. However, Andrea is just as ambitious and driven as Mace, setting the stage for a dangerous partnership built around their shared desire for success.
The film’s IMDb plot summary teases the increasingly sinister direction of the story: a cyclist and his team doctor develop a dangerous training program in an effort to win the Tour de France. As the race progresses, their teammates, authorities, and growing paranoia begin closing in, forcing the pair to take increasingly extreme measures to protect their secret.
Haley Hope Bartels wrote the screenplay for Pumping Black. Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny, Mimi Cave, Anton’s Sébastien Raybaud, Natalie Portman, and Sophie Mas of MountainA are producing the project.
With its combination of psychological horror, elite sports, and an intense exploration of ambition, Pumping Black could offer a dark take on the lengths people are willing to go to achieve greatness.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
