Because Apparently, Hollywood Loves Pickleball Too... !
Move over, tennis. Pickleball has officially gone mainstream and if you thought this sport couldn’t get any bigger, Hollywood just entered the chat. Ben Stiller is set to star in and produce a pickleball comedy movie titled The Dink. Yes, you read that right. The man who brought us Dodgeball is now taking on America’s fastest-growing sport.
But what’s The Dink really about? Who else is starring in it? And will this movie finally make pickleball cool enough for your skeptical tennis-playing friends? Let’s dive into everything we know about Ben Stiller’s pickleball movie - and why it’s about to change the game.
What is The Dink About?
In true sports comedy fashion, The Dink will follow a washed-up tennis pro who must save a struggling club (and earn his father’s respect) by breaking his vow to never play pickleball. Think Dodgeball meets Wimbledon... but with more dinking, ridiculous rallies and dramatic paddle twirls.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is being produced by Stiller’s Red Hour Productions in collaboration with Lionsgate. It’s described as a “heartfelt underdog sports comedy” set against the backdrop of high-stakes pickleball tournaments - because, apparently, those exist.
Apple Original Films announced it will be expanding its award-winning feature slate by acquiring 'The Dink' pickleball movie on August 18, 2025. With filming recently wrapping up in Los Angeles, it won't be too long before Ben Stiller makes “dinking” a household word.
Want to know more about pickleball’s rise to stardom? Read why is it called pickleball and where was pickleball invented to find out how this quirky sport went from backyard fun to Hollywood headlines.
Who is Starring in The Dink?
While Stiller himself will take on the lead role, he’s not the only big name in the cast.
✔ Jake Johnson (New Girl, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) will star alongside Stiller, bringing his signature dry wit and lovable chaos to the mix.
✔ Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers, The Last Man on Earth) and Ed Harris (The Truman Show, Westworld) join the cast, adding some serious acting firepower.
✔ Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live), Patton Oswalt (The King of Queens) and Aaron Chen (The Daily Show) are also confirmed, ensuring the comedy is top-tier.
✔ Andy Roddick, the former tennis champion, is reportedly consulting on the film and may even make a cameo. Could we see Roddick vs. Stiller in an epic pickleball showdown? (We can only hope.) ESPN confirms that Roddick has fully embraced the sport and wants to make sure the on-screen action is authentic.
✔ Other notable cast members include Martin Kove (Cobra Kai), Chris Parnell (Rick and Morty) and Christine Taylor (Dodgeball, Zoolander).
✔ And let’s not forget John McEnroe - yes, the legendary tennis bad boy himself is making an appearance. Get ready for some epic on-screen rants.
Expect more surprise celebrity cameos because let’s be honest - every Hollywood exec is probably playing pickleball at this point.
Why a Pickleball Movie and Why Now?
Pickleball is no longer a game reserved for your retired neighbours in Florida. With over 36.5 million players in the U.S. alone, it has become the fastest-growing sport in America (yes, even bigger than padel and pickleball’s arch-nemesis, tennis).
Even pro athletes like LeBron James, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have invested in professional pickleball teams. Now, Hollywood is following suit.
With the success of sports comedies like Dodgeball, Kingpin and Talladega Nights, it was only a matter of time before someone turned pickleball madness into a movie. And if anyone can make dinking look cool on the big screen, it’s Ben Stiller.
Curious about how pickleball compares to other racket sports? Check out our guide on whether you can play pickleball on a tennis court.
When Will The Dink Be Released?
Expected late 2025 (Apple Original Film, streaming on Apple TV+).
While Apple TV+ haven't locked in an exact release, given that filming began in 2024, industry insiders predicting it could hit screens in late 2025.
That gives you just enough time to:
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Perfect your dink game
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Grab the Best Beginner Pickleball Paddle
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Upgrade to a NILK Pickleball Bag so you're court-ready
👉 Bookmark this post — we’ll update as soon as Apple locks the official date.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About The Dink
When is The Dink coming out?
The official release date hasn’t been announced yet but expect it in late 2025.
Who is starring in Ben Stiller’s pickleball movie?
Ben Stiller, Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman and Patton Oswalt as well as former tennis players Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.
What is Ben Stiller's The Dink pickleball movie about?
The plot follows a washed-up tennis pro who must save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect… by doing the unthinkable: playing pickleball. Think Dodgeball meets Rocky - but with dinks, rallies, and ridiculous paddle spins.
Is The Dink based on a true story?
While not based on a single real-life player, the film draws inspiration from the growing pro pickleball scene.
Where was The Dink filmed?
Los Angeles, California (filming began in 2024).
When is The Dink pickleball movie coming out?
The Dink release date is expected in late 2025, with filming wrapped in Los Angeles. Apple Original Films is set to distribute the comedy on Apple TV+.
Will The Dink be the best pickleball movie ever made?
Look, it’s not like there’s a ton of competition. But with Ben Stiller at the helm, there’s a high chance it becomes the Rocky of pickleball.
Where can I watch The Dink?
The Dink will stream as an Apple Original Film on Apple TV+, likely in late 2025. Bookmark this post - we’ll update you the moment the official release date drops.
Want to improve your own game before The Dink comes out? Grab yourself a Nilk paddle and check out our Pickleball Scoring Guide so you can settle those mid-match disputes like a pro.
Why This Matters for Pickleball Fans
If you’ve ever struggled to explain pickleball’s greatness to your non-playing friends, this movie might just do the trick. Expect a massive spike in new players when The Dink hits theatres, meaning now’s the perfect time to upgrade your paddle before the courts get overcrowded.
Looking for the best pickleball gear? Check out our top-rated paddles here - because if Ben Stiller is bringing pickleball to the big screen, you need to bring your A-game to the courts.
🎬 Let the Hollywood dinking begin!
Want more pickleball entertainment? Read our guide on where to Play Pickleball in NYC, Phoenix and Los Angeles in 2025 and start practicing before the pickleball craze takes over your city!