Apple TV is adding another original comedy to its July lineup with The Dink, a sports comedy that mixes tennis, pickleball, family drama, and plenty of humor. Starring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris, the film follows a former tennis star whose life takes an unexpected turn after an injury forces him to reconsider everything he believed about the sport. The movie premieres worldwide on July 24, 2026.
The Dink at a glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 24, 2026 |
| Platform | Apple TV |
| Genre | Sports Comedy |
| Duration | 1 hour 42 minutes |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Director | Josh Greenbaum |
| Writer | Sean Clements |
| Producer | Ben Stiller, John Lesher, Rob Paris, Mike Witherill, Jake Johnson and others |
Main cast
- Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd
- Mary Steenburgen as Candace
- Ed Harris as Chuck Boyd
- Aaron Chen as PJ
- Chloe Fineman
- Patton Oswalt
- Chris Parnell
- Andy Roddick as himself
- John McEnroe as himself
- Ben Stiller in a supporting role
What is The Dink about?
Dusty Boyd was once a promising tennis player, but those days are long behind him. He now spends his time coaching children at his father’s country club while trying to earn his father’s respect. Things become even more complicated when Chuck starts a battle against the growing popularity of pickleball.
After Dusty suffers another injury that keeps him away from tennis, he reluctantly gives pickleball a chance. With help from his new partner, Candace, he slowly discovers that the sport he once dismissed may offer him a fresh start. Along the way, he must deal with old rivalries, family expectations, and the mistakes that have followed him for years.
Spoilers: Where the story appears to be heading
Spoiler Warning
Based on the official synopsis and trailer, the movie builds toward Dusty’s emotional journey rather than focusing only on sports. As he embraces pickleball, he finds himself caught between loyalty to his father and his growing love for the game.
The story also brings back tennis legend Andy Roddick, who plays himself and represents part of Dusty’s unfinished past. The final act is expected to center on the future of the country club, Dusty’s relationship with his father, and whether he can finally move beyond his earlier failures.
What to expect from The Dink
The Dink looks very different from the serious sports dramas audiences often see. Instead, it focuses on comedy, awkward family moments, and an underdog story that happens to revolve around the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
Jake Johnson’s comedic style, Ed Harris’ strong dramatic presence, and Mary Steenburgen’s warm performance give the film a balanced cast. The addition of real tennis stars like Andy Roddick and John McEnroe should also make it fun for sports fans. Producer Ben Stiller and director Josh Greenbaum are aiming for a lighthearted comedy that appeals to both casual viewers and longtime sports enthusiasts.
Is The Dink worth watching?
If you enjoy sports comedies with heart, family conflicts, and a redemption story, The Dink is shaping up to be one of Apple TV’s notable July releases. It combines familiar comedy talent with the growing popularity of pickleball, giving the movie a fresh angle ahead of its global debut on July 24.
The Dink joins a busy month for Apple TV, making it one of the platform’s most talked-about original films this summer. If you plan to watch it, let us know your expectations in the comments.
