Jake Johnson, widely recognised for his seven-year portrayal of the endearing slacker Nick Miller in the popular sitcom 'New Girl', has opened up about his career path since the show concluded and his latest project, 'The Dink', now available on Apple TV+.
Following his time on 'New Girl', Johnson briefly ventured into high-profile blockbusters, including 'Jurassic World' and Tom Cruise's 'The Mummy'. However, he found these experiences somewhat unfulfilling, likening the process to a 'salmon pulled out of the river'. He revealed a preference for a different kind of filmmaking, one that he believes is increasingly rare in today's Hollywood landscape.
Johnson laments the decline of 'mid-level budget movies', which he describes as a 'middle class' of cinema that offered audiences enjoyable, straightforward entertainment without the massive scale of billion-dollar franchises or the niche appeal of independent films. He suggests that the industry has polarised into these two extremes, leaving a void for the kind of engaging, character-driven stories he values.
His new film, 'The Dink', is Johnson's attempt to revive this type of storytelling. Described as a blend of 'Happy Gilmore' and 'Dodgeball', the comedy follows Dusty, a former tennis prodigy who finds a new calling in the sport of pickleball after an injury. The film, which clocks in at 102 minutes, is designed to be a feel-good experience, delivering a satisfying narrative arc and plenty of laughs.
Despite his evolving career, Johnson remains fond of his 'New Girl' legacy. He acknowledges that many will forever associate him with Nick Miller, a character he feels closely aligned with in terms of comedic rhythm and personal humour. He embraces this connection, stating that the role allowed him to live a 'dream life'. UK viewers can stream 'The Dink' on Apple TV+, with new subscribers often offered a free trial period.