Josh Greenbaum Sets 'The Dink' as Apple TV+'s Pickleball Comedy
The director discusses the independently financed sports comedy starring Jake Johnson, Ed Harris, and Mary Steenburgen, which lands on the streamer this Friday.
“We said, Let’s make it ourselves, make it the way we want to and then we’ll take it out to market.”
- Director
- Josh Greenbaum
- Starring
- Jake Johnson, Ed Harris, Mary Steenburgen
- Release
- 2026
- Genre
- Comedy
- Where to Watch
- Apple TV+
The film, starring Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro who turns to pickleball, marks a deliberate throwback to classic sports comedies.
According to TheWrap, Greenbaum aimed to create a film that was "a little bit of ‘Caddyshack’ here, a dash of ‘Major League’ there." The project was assembled independently before Apple acquired it for a global release. "We were fortunate enough to have some financiers who believed in the movie," Greenbaum said in an interview with TheWrap. "We said, Let’s make it ourselves, make it the way we want to and then we’ll take it out to market."
What is 'The Dink' about?
The film follows a desperate former tennis star trying to save a struggling country club and earn his father's respect by breaking a vow and playing pickleball. The cast includes Ed Harris and Mary Steenburgen, with Ben Stiller serving as a producer. Greenbaum noted the production was a joy, shot entirely in Los Angeles with an "unbelievable cast" that formed a "beautiful family."
How did Apple get involved?
Greenbaum said Apple "got it right away" upon seeing the finished film. "Luckily enough, I’m an Apple Music guy," Greenbaum noted, citing his loyalty to the platform.
Greenbaum also revealed his next directorial effort will be Spaceballs: The New One, scheduled for an April 2027 release. He was finishing the awards campaign for his documentary Will and Harper while filming The Dink, at one point juggling a potential helicopter ride between a screening event and a night shoot with Ed Harris and Ben Stiller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in 'The Dink'?
Jake Johnson leads the cast as Dusty 'The Hammer' Boyd. He is joined by Ed Harris, Mary Steenburgen, Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt, and cameos from sports figures Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.
Is 'The Dink' a theatrical release?
No. The Dink is a streaming-original film premiering exclusively on Apple TV+. It was not released in theaters.
What is Josh Greenbaum's next movie?
Greenbaum's next project is the comedy Spaceballs: The New One, which is set for release in April 2027.
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