Apple TV+ is set to premiere its latest sports comedy film, ‘The Dink,’ on July 24, 2026. The movie stars Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd, a former tennis prodigy who, after an injury, reluctantly turns to the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
In ‘The Dink,’ Dusty Boyd finds himself coaching at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Struggling to gain his father’s approval, Dusty initially opposes the club’s adoption of pickleball. However, after re-injuring himself, he begins playing pickleball as part of his rehabilitation. With the support of his new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), Dusty starts to enjoy the game, leading him to confront his past failures and face his childhood rival, Andy Roddick, who appears as himself.
The film boasts a strong comedic cast, including Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, and Ben Stiller, who not only has a small role as Dusty’s doctor but also serves as a producer. The trailer highlights Stiller’s involvement, drawing parallels to his work on ‘Dodgeball.’
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. ‘The Dink’ taps into this trend, offering a humorous take on the sport’s rise and its impact on traditional tennis communities.
With its blend of humor, sports action, and a touch of nostalgia, ‘The Dink’ is poised to resonate with audiences familiar with classic sports comedies. Its exploration of personal growth and the dynamics of father-son relationships adds depth to the lighthearted narrative.
