Apple Original Films has landed the rights to The Dink, a new sports comedy centered on the rapidly growing game of pickleball. Directed by Josh Greenbaum (known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Will & Harper), the movie stars Jake Johnson (New Girl) as its lead and features Ben Stiller as co-star and producer. The deal marks another expansion of Apple’s film slate and its partnership with Stiller.
In The Dink, Johnson plays a former professional tennis player who, in tough financial straits and desperate to win the respect of his father, is forced to do something he never imagined: play pickleball. The story kicks off from the premise of “breaking a sacred vow” to revive a failing club. Screenwriter Sean Clements penned the script. Production companies involved include Red Hour Films (Stiller’s company) and Rivulet Entertainment. Producers besides Johnson and Stiller are Rob Paris and Mike Witherill.
The cast is stacked: Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Aaron Chen, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor are among the supporting actors. Adding to the flavor of the sports setting, former tennis professionals Andy Roddick and John McEnroe also show up in key roles.
Apple’s acquisition of The Dink was confirmed in August 2025, and the film is currently in post-production. A release date has not yet been announced. This is part of a broader move by Apple to build out its film offerings, especially comedies with broad appeal. It also continues its collaboration with Ben Stiller, following projects like Severance and upcoming work such as Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.
Fun Facts
The title The Dink refers to a specific shot in pickleball, played near the “kitchen” (the non-volley zone), which immediately signals that the film will lean into the quirks of the sport, and not just the sport itself.
Jake Johnson, besides acting, is serving as a producer, which suggests he has creative input beyond just performing. Ben Stiller likewise is producing and acting, leveraging his experience both in front of and behind the camera.
It’s one of the first feature films to focus heavily on pickleball, tapping into the sport’s surging popularity. This could help the film stand out in the sports comedy genre.
