The Dink: Apple TV's Hilarious Dive into the World of Pickleball with Jake Johnson and Ben Stiller
Jake Johnson and Ben Stiller star in Apple TV's upcoming sports comedy, The Dink, where they tackle the world of pickleball. The movie, directed by Josh Greenbaum, is set to premiere on July 24 and features a star-studded cast including Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and tennis star Andy Roddick. Johnson plays Dusty Boyd, a former tennis star dealing with an old injury, who reluctantly gives pickleball a shot with his new partner Candace, played by Steenburgen.
In the trailer, Stiller's character encourages Johnson to embrace pickleball as a way to get back into tennis, despite its perceived dorky reputation. The film, written by Sean Clements, promises to showcase the sport in a fun and engaging way, with Greenbaum at the helm. Stiller, known for his work in sports comedies like Dodgeball, also serves as a producer alongside Johnson, John Lesher, Rob Paris, and Mike Witherill.
Johnson shared in an interview that his initial impression of pickleball changed as he immersed himself in the role. He had never played the sport before but gained a newfound appreciation for it during the filming process. Director Greenbaum aimed to make pickleball a central element of the movie, capturing the essence of the sport and its excitement on screen.
The Dink promises to be a lighthearted and entertaining take on the world of pickleball, blending comedy with sports in a unique way. With a talented cast and a fresh perspective on the sport, the movie is sure to delight audiences and maybe even inspire a few to pick up a paddle and give pickleball a try.