Jake Johnson is back on the scene, but this time he's ditching his wisecracking Nick Miller persona for a new pickleball comedy that promises to serve up some serious laughs. In The Dink, the former New Girl star takes on the role of Dusty Boyd, a former tennis pro turned pickleball enthusiast – and it's clear he's been hitting the courts hard, with a whole lot of training under his belt to convincingly portray a seasoned player.
The idea for The Dink was born out of writer Sean Clements' fascination with the quirky world of pickleball. He observed how players – particularly an older bunch in Beverly Hills – have turned the sport into a hilarious game of cat and mouse, where competitive spirit meets comedic gold. For Johnson, this project offered a much-needed break from the dramas that are dominating screens these days, films that often reflect our increasingly stressful cultural landscape. 'I wanted to create something genuinely fun and light-hearted,' he says, 'a big comedic set piece that's free from all that heaviness.'
Johnson revealed his motivations for taking on a more lighthearted project were partly driven by the impending US presidential election in 2024. He anticipated a period of increased division and online conflict – and wanted to contribute something that wouldn't fan the flames. The Dink, therefore, serves as an intentional escape, allowing audiences to enjoy a story without any agenda or messaging.
In The Dink, Johnson's character Dusty is still smarting from a career-ending tennis injury at the hands of Andy Roddick – and finds himself working as a 'goober' at his father's country club. However, when he stumbles upon pickleball, everything changes, especially after meeting Mary Steenburgen's formidable Candace, a leader in this group of older women who refuse to be underestimated.
While The Dink enters a cinematic landscape dominated by the recent tennis drama Challengers, Johnson has been quick to point out that his film is more than just a rival – describing it as the 'sexier Challengers'. For UK fans of Johnson's previous work, including New Girl which remains a firm favourite on Disney+, The Dink promises a whole new comedic flavour that's sure to hit all the right notes.
UK fans will be eagerly awaiting details on its release and streaming availability – and it's easy to see why, given its light-hearted premise. With its intergenerational friendship at its core, The Dink has something special in store for audiences seeking a break from the intensity of modern viewing.
Aaron Chen may have described their film as the 'sexier Challengers', but one thing's for sure – The Dink is about to serve up some serious laughs, and Johnson can't wait to bring it to UK screens. With its unique blend of comedy, sports, and camaraderie, this one's a real winner.