Get ready for a laugh-out-loud comedy that’s about to shake up your summer! Apple Original Films is bringing The Dink to screens worldwide on July 24, and it’s packed with humor, heart, and a dash of controversy. Starring the hilarious Jake Johnson and the incomparable Mary Steenburgen, this film is set to premiere exclusively on Apple TV+, with a star-studded cast that includes Ed Harris, former tennis legend Andy Roddick, and comedy heavyweights like Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and Ben Stiller. But here’s where it gets controversial: The Dink doesn’t just poke fun at the quirky world of pickleball—it dives headfirst into the generational clash between traditional sports and the latest craze. Is pickleball a passing fad or the future of recreational sports? You’ll have to watch to decide.
At its core, The Dink follows the journey of Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson), a former tennis prodigy who’s now a shadow of his former self, stuck coaching unruly kids at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty finds himself reluctantly dragged into Chuck’s war against the club’s newest obsession: pickleball. But when an old injury sidelines Dusty from tennis, he’s forced to try the unthinkable—pickleball. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just the game that changes him; it’s his charming new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), who helps him rediscover joy in the sport. Torn between loyalty to his father and his newfound passion, Dusty must confront his past failures, including a face-off with his childhood rival, Andy Roddick (playing himself). The result? A hilarious and heartfelt battle for the soul of the club, his father’s love, and his own identity.
Directed by Josh Greenbaum, The Dink is a Red Hour Films and Rivulet Entertainment production, with Stiller and John Lesher, alongside Rob Paris and Mike Witherill, serving as producers. Jake Johnson also steps behind the camera as a producer, while Sean Clements pens the script. Executive producers include Rick Steele, Clements, Greenbaum, Joe Hardesty, Jonathan McCoy, and Daniel Crosser. With its blend of humor, nostalgia, and unexpected emotional depth, The Dink is poised to be the feel-good hit of the summer—but don’t be surprised if it sparks a debate about the future of sports and the power of second chances. So, here’s the question: Is pickleball just a fad, or is it here to stay? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
