In the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the next suspenseful episode won’t play out only in front of the camera: it could well begin on a street corner! On Friday, November 13, 2026, filming for Pumping Black, a movie starring Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey, will lead to three streets near the Trocadéro being closed to traffic.
Motorists who usually drive through the Passy neighborhood will have to adjust their route. Prefectural Order No. 2026-01570 of November 9, 2026 temporarily bans all vehicles from three streets in the 16th arrondissement:
Beethoven Street
Le Nôtre Street
Chardin Street
The restrictions will apply on Friday, November 13, 2026, during four time slots: from 6 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., and from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The closures will not be in effect throughout the day. Still, it’s best to plan an alternative route and follow the signs posted on site. One important distinction: the official text concerns vehicle traffic. It does not announce the complete closure of the Trocadéro or a general ban on pedestrian access. Priority emergency vehicles are also exempt.
But what film could possibly require turning these peaceful streets into a movie set? It’s Pumping Black, a psychological thriller directed by American filmmaker Mimi Cave, who is also known for Fresh. The genre builds suspense through inner tensions, obsessions and power dynamics.
The story follows Taylor Mace, a professional cyclist nearing the end of his career. As the Tour de France approaches, he crosses paths with Andrea Lathe, an ambitious doctor who could draw him into a dangerous downward spiral.
Jonathan Bailey, best known for Bridgerton, plays the cyclist, while Natalie Portman, who first came to prominence with Léon and won an Oscar for Black Swan, plays the doctor. Paris therefore seems a particularly fitting setting for a story set in the world of cycling and the Tour de France.
A little-known detail: even before these street closures, the production had already invited Parisians to take part in the adventure! In August 2026, a casting call for extras sought men aged 18 to 35 who could demonstrate genuine cycling skills. The aim was to make the race scenes more realistic.
For this film, knowing how to ride a bike wasn’t just a leisure activity—it was a genuine casting requirement!
It's obviously the question likely to pique the curiosity of movie fans. Although both actors are listed in the cast of Pumping Black, the prefectural order does not confirm that they will be present on every affected street on November 13. Nor does it specify filming times or the conditions for accessing the set.
One thing is certain: on Friday, a small part of the 16th arrondissement will temporarily change its appearance. For a few scenes, Paris will once again play itself on screen!
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