Apple TV released the official trailer for The Dink, a new sports comedy that puts pickleball and tennis against each other. The movie stars Jake Johnson as a former tennis player who must learn to love the sport he once hated. Ben Stiller appears as the doctor who gives him the strange prescription to play pickleball. The film arrives on the streaming platform on July 24, 2026.
The trailer shows Dusty Boyd, played by Johnson, as a tennis player whose career has gone downhill. He now coaches children at his father’s country club. His father Chuck, played by Ed Harris, hates pickleball with a passion. He calls it an “epidemic” that is taking over his club. Dusty wants his father’s approval, so he joins the fight against the new sport.
But things change when Dusty gets hurt during a tennis game. He goes to see Dr. Stone, played by Stiller. The doctor tells him pickleball is the fastest way back to tennis. Stiller’s character even admits the sport is “sort of dorky” but insists it will help.
A Sports Comedy with Real Pickleball Action
The movie comes from director Josh Greenbaum, who previously made Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The script was written by Sean Clements, known for his work on Workaholics. Stiller also produces the film through his Red Hour Films banner, alongside John Lesher.
Johnson, who voices Peter B. Parker in the Spider-Verse movies, took the role seriously. He trained in both tennis and pickleball to prepare. The actor said he did not think much about pickleball when he first read the script. But his training changed his mind.
“I read the script, and I’d never played pickleball. I didn’t give it much thought. I thought of it as, ‘I’ll just pick it up.’ Our director, Josh Greenbaum, wanted to make it a real sports movie, so the pickleball is represented. We shot the hell out of the pickleball stuff, and it looks good.” – Jake Johnson speaking to Pickleball.com.
Johnson also serves as a producer on the project. The film is fully financed by Rivulet Entertainment.
Cast Features Real Tennis Legend Andy Roddick
The Dink brings together an impressive group of actors. The main cast includes Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Ben Stiller. Supporting roles go to Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, and Aaron Chen.
The most interesting casting choice is Andy Roddick. The former American tennis champion plays himself as Dusty’s childhood rival. Roddick’s appearance adds real sports credibility to the comedy. The trailer also shows former tennis player John McEnroe making an appearance.
The movie follows Dusty as he starts to enjoy pickleball. His new partner Candace, played by Mary Steenburgen, helps him learn the game. She teaches him the proper underhand serve and other pickleball rules. Dusty finds himself torn between two worlds. He loves his father’s approval and his tennis background, but he also enjoys the new sport.
The Official Story Behind The Dink
Apple released the official synopsis for The Dink. The film follows Dusty Boyd, a washed-up former tennis prodigy. He now coaches unruly children at his father Chuck’s suburban country club. Dusty wants his father’s approval, so he supports Chuck’s war against pickleball.
When Dusty hurts himself again, he can no longer play tennis. He tries pickleball as part of his recovery. With help from his new partner Candace, he finds himself actually liking the sport. Dusty must face his past failures and his childhood rival Andy Roddick. The story leads to a final battle for the club’s future, his father’s love, and his own identity.
The film gives off similar vibes to Dodgeball, the classic sports comedy Stiller produced in 2004. But The Dink takes a different approach with more heart and charm.
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The Dink Release Date and Streaming Details
The Dink will start streaming on Apple TV on July 24, 2026. The movie will be available globally on the same day. Viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries can watch it through the Apple TV platform.
The film is rated PG-13, making it suitable for most audiences. It runs as a comedy feature under Apple Original Films. The streaming platform continues to invest in sports comedies after other successful original films.
The trailer has already created excitement among sports comedy fans. Viewers who enjoy underdog stories will find something to like. The movie also appeals to tennis and pickleball fans who want to see their sports represented on screen.
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