Apple TV+ has launched its latest original film, ‘The Dink,’ a sports comedy centered around the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The movie, featuring a notable cast and produced by established Hollywood names, is now available for subscribers to stream.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Team
‘The Dink’ boasts an ensemble cast that includes Jake Johnson, known for his roles in ‘New Girl’ and ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,’ as the lead character. He is joined by veteran actors Mary Steenburgen (‘Step Brothers’), Ed Harris (‘Westworld’), and Chloe Fineman (‘Saturday Night Live’). The film also features Lennon Markham and Chris Parnell, with Ben Stiller serving as one of its producers.
The screenplay was penned by Sean Clements, co-creator of ‘The Other Two,’ and the film was directed by Josh Greenbaum, whose previous work includes ‘Becoming Bond.’ The production team also includes Jake Johnson and Ben Stiller, bringing their considerable experience in comedy and filmmaking to the project.
Plot Synopsis: A Tennis Pro’s Pickleball Pivot
The narrative follows Dusty Boyd, portrayed by Jake Johnson, a former tennis prodigy whose career has stalled. Now coaching at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club, Dusty finds himself in a precarious position. He is desperate for his father’s approval, which is complicated by Chuck’s strong opposition to pickleball, a sport rapidly gaining popularity at the club.
Dusty’s life takes an unexpected turn when he re-injures himself, jeopardizing his ability to continue playing tennis. In a surprising twist, he turns to pickleball as part of his rehabilitation. Initially reluctant, Dusty begins to find enjoyment in the sport, particularly with the encouragement of his new partner, Candace, played by Mary Steenburgen.
This newfound passion for pickleball places Dusty in a difficult situation, caught between his past athletic ambitions and his present reality. He must confront the lingering effects of past failures and a childhood rivalry, notably with former professional tennis player Andy Roddick, who makes a cameo appearance as himself.
The film culminates in a high-stakes conflict for the future of the country club, Dusty’s relationship with his father, and his own sense of identity. The story explores themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the unexpected paths life can take.
Apple TV+’s Growing Sports Content Library
‘The Dink’ arrives on a platform that has been actively expanding its sports-related programming. Apple TV+ has recently featured a range of documentaries and series covering various athletic disciplines. These include titles such as ‘F1 The Movie,’ ‘Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series,’ ‘Onside: Major League Soccer,’ ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,’ and ‘Stephen Curry: Underrated.’
The release of ‘The Dink’ also strategically coincides with other significant sports content debuts on the platform. It follows closely on the heels of the return of the acclaimed comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’ for its fourth season and the premiere of the docuseries ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ which chronicles the University of Connecticut’s basketball program.
Subscription and Availability
Apple TV+ is accessible through a monthly subscription service priced at $12.99, or it can be bundled with other Apple services through the Apple One package. The platform hosts a variety of critically acclaimed original series and films, including ‘Severance,’ ‘The Morning Show,’ ‘Shrinking,’ and ‘Silo,’ alongside its growing sports catalog.
The addition of ‘The Dink’ offers subscribers a new comedic entry into the platform’s diverse content offerings, blending sports, humor, and relatable character arcs.
