In a casting coup that pairs two of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses, Jenna Ortega and Oscar nominee Rose Byrne are set to star in Nasty, a gripping new drama from filmmaker Mary Bronstein.

Warner Bros. Clockwork label is backing the project, with production slated to begin this fall.

The film, which reteams Bronstein with Byrne following their critically acclaimed collaboration on If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, promises a raw exploration of ambition, power, and psychological tension in the high-stakes world of elite gymnastics.

The screenplay, penned by Isabella Jarosz, landed on the 2024 Black List, marking the writer’s first major script sale. It centers on a prodigious young athlete fighting for a coveted spot on the Olympic gymnastics team.

Her fiercest rival, however, isn’t a competitor on the mat but her own coach-a dynamic ripe for intense drama given the sport’s notorious history of intense coach-athlete relationships, pressure, and sacrifice.

Ortega, fresh off a string of high-profile successes, will likely portray the young gymnast. The 21-year-old star has captivated audiences with her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Her recent work includes Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which grossed over $452 million worldwide, and upcoming projects like J.J. Abrams’ The Great Beyond. Returning to Warner Bros. for Nasty aligns with her growing blockbuster appeal while allowing her to dive into more dramatic, physically demanding territory.

Byrne, an Australian actress renowned for her versatility, steps into the role of the coach. Her performance in Bronstein’s previous film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You earned widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, a BAFTA nod, Critics Choice recognition, and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

In that film, Byrne portrayed a mother on the brink of a breakdown, delivering a tour-de-force that showcased her ability to convey profound emotional turmoil. The reteaming with Bronstein suggests Nasty will similarly probe deep psychological depths.

Mary Bronstein has quickly established herself as a bold voice in independent cinema. Her directorial work is characterized by unflinching examinations of human fragility, family dynamics, and societal pressures. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, which premiered to strong reviews at Sundance, highlighted her talent for building mounting anxiety and creating complex female characters.

With Nasty, she shifts the lens to the competitive sports arena, a setting that offers fertile ground for exploring themes of mentorship, control, ambition, and the physical and mental toll of perfectionism.

The project is being produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Ortega. LuckyChap has built a reputation for championing female-driven stories, with credits including Barbie, I, Tonya, and Promising Young Woman.

This collaboration signals strong creative alignment around stories that empower women both in front of and behind the camera.

Gymnastics has long fascinated filmmakers due to its blend of beauty, athleticism, and underlying darkness. From documentaries like Athlete A exposing abuse scandals to fictional portrayals in films such as Stick It, the sport provides a compelling backdrop for narratives about discipline, sacrifice, and exploitation.

Nasty appears poised to delve into the coach-athlete power imbalance, a topic that remains timely amid ongoing conversations about athlete welfare and coaching ethics in Olympic sports.

Ortega’s involvement adds significant commercial potential. As one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young talents, she brings a massive fanbase from Wednesday and her work in the Scream franchise. Her ability to convey vulnerability alongside steely determination makes her an ideal fit for a gymnast character navigating immense pressure. Byrne’s presence ensures award-season credibility, building on her recent successes.

Production details remain under wraps, but cameras rolling this fall suggest a relatively swift timeline toward release, potentially positioning Nasty for a 2027 or 2028 debut. Warner Bros. Clockwork, known for supporting distinctive, mid-budget fare with strong creative voices, provides an ideal home for Bronstein’s vision.

Public Reaction

The announcement comes at an exciting time for women’s sports cinema. With increased visibility for athletes and growing scrutiny of training cultures, Nasty has the potential to spark important discussions while delivering a thrilling, emotionally charged story. Jarosz’s Black List script has already generated buzz in industry circles for its sharp writing and timely premise.

For Ortega, the role represents another step in her evolution from teen sensation to serious dramatic actress. Her recent Academy invitation as a new Oscar voter underscores her rising status in the industry. Byrne continues to cement her place as one of the most reliable and acclaimed performers working today, particularly in challenging material.

As details emerge in the coming months, Nasty is already generating significant anticipation. The combination of Bronstein’s distinctive directorial style, Jarosz’s compelling script, and the powerhouse duo of Ortega and Byrne suggests a film that could resonate both with critics and audiences seeking substantive storytelling.

In a landscape often dominated by franchises, this project stands out as a reminder of cinema’s power to illuminate human struggles in all their complexity and intensity.