Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey to star in new movie set in 'cutthroat world of pro cycling'

Hollywood's fascination with two wheels continues, as Variety reports the upcoming film 'Pumping Black' will star Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey. The project, described as a dive into the "cutthroat world of pro cycling," centres on an ageing professional rider resorting to "sinister measures" to maintain relevance, guided by a "power-hungry doc." This fictional narrative signals another high-profile foray into the sport's darker underbelly, following recent documentaries and series.

This announcement arrives amidst a noticeable surge in cycling-themed productions, from Netflix's 'Tour de France: Unchained' to the recent Lance Armstrong documentary. The industry, it seems, has discovered the inherent drama, both on and off the bike, that has long captivated dedicated fans. 'Pumping Black' appears poised to explore the perennial anxieties surrounding performance, ethics, and the relentless pressure to win – themes deeply embedded in cycling's modern history.

Another fictional exploration of cycling's moral grey areas, featuring A-list talent, suggests the sport's narrative potential is finally being recognised. One can only hope the script offers more nuance than a mere re-tread of familiar doping tropes.