Warner Bros. Clockwork Gets Nasty With Jenna Ortega and Rose Byrne

Published: Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 4:39 pm

Jenna Ortega and Rose Byrne to Star in New Gymnastics Thriller "Nasty"

Warner Bros. Clockwork is gearing up to produce "Nasty," a new film set to star acclaimed actresses Jenna Ortega and Rose Byrne. The project, based on Isabella Jarosz's 2024 Black List feature, will be directed by filmmaker Mary Bronstein. This collaboration marks a reunion for Byrne and Bronstein, who previously worked together on the film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," which earned Byrne an Oscar nomination.

The script for "Nasty" presents a compelling narrative centered on the high-stakes world of Olympic gymnastics. According to the Black List logline, the story follows Dylan, a determined gymnast whose Olympic aspirations are jeopardized by an injury. She must then work to rebuild the trust of her demanding coach while contending with a talented new competitor who poses a significant threat to her position. The official synopsis offers a slightly different emphasis, highlighting the athlete's struggle to overcome her most formidable opponent: her coach, as she battles for a coveted spot on the Olympic team.

Filming for "Nasty" is scheduled to commence this fall. The film is being produced by LuckyChap, an entertainment company co-founded by Margot Robbie, and Ortega herself.

Jenna Ortega is currently experiencing a prolific period in her career. In addition to "Nasty," she is set to appear in Taika Waititi's "Klara and the Sun," slated for release this fall by Sony. She also stars in J.J. Abrams' "The Great Beyond," a Warner Bros. production that has recently been pushed back to next fall. Furthermore, Ortega is reprising her popular role in the upcoming season of Netflix's hit series "Wednesday."

LuckyChap has a robust slate of recent and upcoming projects. Their recent productions include Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights," featuring LuckyChap co-founder Margot Robbie, and the Netflix series "Sirens." Currently in production is "Oceans," a prequel to the "Ocean's 11" franchise, which stars Robbie alongside Bradley Cooper, who is also writing and directing.

BNN's Perspective: The convergence of talent in "Nasty" promises an engaging cinematic experience. The combination of a compelling script, a director with a proven track record with her lead actress, and a cast led by two formidable performers suggests a film that could delve into the intense pressures and personal rivalries inherent in elite sports. The focus on the athlete-coach dynamic adds a layer of psychological depth, hinting at a narrative that goes beyond mere athletic competition.

Tags: Nasty, Jenna Ortega, Rose Byrne, Mary Bronstein, Isabella Jarosz, Black List, Olympic gymnastics, LuckyChap, Warner Bros. Clockwork, sports drama, athlete, coach, competition, film production

Full Story