Actors Lukas Gage and Alex Akpobome have joined the cast of the psychological thriller "Pumping Black," which stars Jonathan Bailey and Natalie Portman. The film is set in the world of professional cycling and is being pitched in the vein of "Whiplash" and "Black Swan," with the project already having secured a high-profile distribution deal after generating interest at the Cannes market.

The story follows Taylor Mace, a 35-year-old cyclist confronting the end of his career, who comes under the influence of Andrea Lathe, a doctor with her own ambitions, as he resorts to increasingly dark measures ahead of the Tour de France. Mimi Cave directs from a script by Haley Hope Bartels, with Stacey Sher, Cave, Sébastien Raybaud, Portman and Sophie Mas producing; filming is set for the autumn. Gage, known for "The White Lotus" and recent roles in "Rosebush Pruning" and "Companion," will next lead Hulu's "Prison Break" revival, while Akpobome, seen in "Based on a True Story," adds to a credits list including "Twenties" and "For All Mankind."