The Dink: When Tennis Prodigies Get Lost in the Pickleball Fever
Get ready to dink, dink, and laugh, because a hilarious new sports comedy is hitting streaming platforms. Red Hour Films and Rivulet Films are joining forces to bring you The Dink, a comedic venture set against the backdrop of the burgeoning pickleball craze.
The project brings together an all-star cast, including Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and Andy Roddick. Directing this comedic gem is Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on films like Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, while the screenplay is penned by Sean Clements, the creator of the hit series Workaholics.
At the heart of the story is Dusty Boyd, a washed-up former tennis prodigy played by Jake Johnson. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty finds himself reluctantly coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s suburban country club. But when pickleball sweeps through the club and demands attention, Dusty must confront not only the new craze but also the ghosts of his own athletic past.
When an old injury forces Dusty to rethink his priorities, he dives into the world of pickleball. Thanks to an enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), Dusty finds himself genuinely enjoying the game. This journey becomes a desperate battle for self-identity, fatherly affection, and navigating the failures of his youth, including confronting his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick.
The Dink is positioned as a laugh-out-loud underdog story, drawing on the comedic sensibilities of producers like Ben Stiller (known for Dodgeball) and director Josh Greenbaum. The film promises high energy and relatable humor wrapped around a very specific, very competitive sport.
The production is anchored by a team with significant pedigree. John Lesher and Ben Stiller are producing through their Red Hour Films banner alongside Rob Paris and Mike Witherill. Jake Johnson also jumps in as a producer, lending depth to the narrative.
This collaborative energy is familiar; Stiller and Rivulet Films previously worked together on Nutcrackers, which achieved significant success at film festivals before landing distribution deals. The team behind The Dink ensures that the story of a former tennis star embracing a new obsession has all the dramatic weight and comedic timing required.
The Dink will be available for streaming on Apple TV starting July 24.
Credit: JoBlo
