Apple Original Films has secured global rights to The Dink, a fresh sports comedy helmed by Josh Greenbaum, known for the anticipated Spaceballs 2, and featuring Jake Johnson from New Girl. Ben Stiller takes on the role of producer and co-star. There are currently no specifics available regarding the film’s release strategy, such as whether it will be shown in theaters alongside its streaming debut.
The screenplay, penned by Sean Clements, follows Johnson as a faded tennis star who, in a bid to save a failing tennis club and win back his father’s respect, is forced to violate a critical promise and engage in the unexpected: playing pickleball.
Joining Johnson in the film are tennis legends Andy Roddick and John McEnroe, along with actors Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Aaron Chen, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor. The film is produced by Stiller and John Lesher through Red Hour Films, in collaboration with Rob Paris and Mike Witherill from Rivulet Entertainment, who previously collaborated on David Gordon Green’s Nutcrackers, along with Johnson. Executive producers on the project include Rick Steele, Clements, Greenbaum, Joe Hardesty, Jonathan McCoy, and Daniel Crosser.
This venture marks a renewed collaboration between Apple and Stiller, complementing his involvement in the acclaimed dystopian thriller series Severance, which has recently achieved 27 Emmy nominations — the highest of any series this year — including for Outstanding Drama Series. Additionally, Apple will distribute Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost, a heartfelt documentary by Stiller that explores the lives of his late comedic icons, parents Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
Meanwhile, Johnson is also set to star alongside Tatiana Maslany in Apple’s forthcoming comedic thriller series, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
