Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller Embrace Pickleball Craze in Apple's 'The Dink' Trailer

Apple TV+'s latest sports comedy, "The Dink," starring Jake Johnson and Ben Stiller, offers a humorous dive into the rising phenomenon of pickleball, as revealed in its newly launched trailer. The film, directed by Josh Greenbaum, promises to blend comedy with the competitive spirit of this increasingly popular sport. Set to debut on July 24, it features a stellar cast including Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris, alongside Johnson and Stiller. Johnson, initially a novice to pickleball, recounted his evolving appreciation for the game throughout the filmmaking process, emphasizing the movie's commitment to portraying the sport authentically.

Dive into the Pickleball World with 'The Dink'

Scheduled for a global release on July 24, "The Dink," an Apple Original Film, brings together a remarkable ensemble to explore the vibrant world of pickleball. The movie introduces audiences to Dusty Boyd, portrayed by Jake Johnson, a former tennis star whose career is sidelined by an old injury. Despite his father's (Ed Harris) disdain for pickleball, Dusty reluctantly joins forces with a new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), venturing into the sport that's quickly gaining traction. Ben Stiller, who also serves as a producer, makes an appearance, notably advising Johnson's character on using pickleball as a pathway back to tennis. The cast is further enriched by the talents of Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and tennis legend Andy Roddick. Director Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on "Strays," helms this project based on a script by Sean Clements. Johnson, reflecting on his experience, shared with Pickleball.com that his initial skepticism about the sport transformed into genuine admiration during training, highlighting the film's dedication to presenting realistic and engaging pickleball sequences.

This film serves as a timely and entertaining exploration of pickleball's growing cultural footprint. Its star-studded cast and comedic approach are likely to introduce a broader audience to the sport, potentially sparking new interest and participation. It also underscores the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment, where unexpected hobbies find their moment in the cinematic spotlight. Beyond the laughs, "The Dink" might inspire viewers to pick up a paddle, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to new passions and partnerships.