Apple Original Films has acquired “The Dink,” a new sports comedy that’s set in the world of pickleball. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum, who oversaw “Will & Harper” and “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” and it stars Jake Johnson of “New Girl” fame. The deal extends Apple’s long partnership with Ben Stiller, one of the creative forces behind “Severance,” who produced “The Dink” with John Lesher for his company, Red Hour Films.
In “The Dink,” Johnson plays a washed-up tennis pro who, desperate to save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect, is compelled to break a sacred vow and do the unthinkable: play pickleball. The film features an all-star comedy cast with Stiller set for a role, alongside tennis champions Andy Roddick and John McEnroe in key supporting roles. The ensemble includes Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Aaron Chen, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell and Christine Taylor.
Rob Paris and Mike Witherill produced the film for Rivulet Entertainment. In addition to starring, Johnson serves as producer. The film is written by Sean Clements, and executive produced by Rick Steele, Clements, Greenbaum, Joe Hardesty, Jonathan McCoy and Daniel Crosser.
In addition to “Severence,” Apple recently acquired “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” Ben Stiller’s upcoming documentary about his late parents Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, an acclaimed comedy team. Additionally, Johnson is set to star alongside Tatiana Maslany in Apple’s upcoming comedic thriller “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.” Stiller and Rivulet recently collaborated on “Nutcrackers,” directed by David Gordon Green, which was released in November.
Apple released “F1: The Movie” this summer with Brad Pitt, as well as “Highest 2 Lowest,” which reunited Spike Lee with Denzel Washington for the fifth time. This fall, the company will release “The Lost Bus,” directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.
