Red Hour Films and Rivulet Films have bolstered the ensemble cast for their upcoming pickleball comedy, The Dink, by announcing seven new additions. The cast now features a mix of comedic talent and sports legend, including Chloe Fineman, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, and the acclaimed Patton Oswalt, recognized for his role in Young Adult. Joining them are Aaron Chen, who gained recognition from the series Fisk, the iconic Martin Kove, remembered for his role in The Karate Kid, the versatile Chris Parnell from Rick and Morty, actress Christine Taylor, famed for her performance in Dodgeball, and the legendary seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion John McEnroe, who also appears in Never Have I Ever.
At its core, The Dink follows the journey of a washed-up tennis professional who, in a bid to save a financially struggling sports club and reclaim his father’s respect, faces an internal conflict. He is ultimately compelled to break a long-held promise and engage in the very sport he vowed never to play: pickleball, a game that is rapidly gaining popularity across the nation.
The film is being produced by John Lesher and Ben Stiller under the Red Hour Films banner, with the support of Rivulet’s Rob Paris and Mike Witherill. Notably, Rivulet will take on full financial responsibility for this vibrant production, with Rick Steele, the company’s senior strategic advisor, taking on executive producer duties alongside producers Clements and Greenbaum. Enhancing the film’s authenticity, renowned tennis coach Brad Gilbert and his wife Kim are serving as technical consultants.
This project marks a reunion for Stiller and Rivulet after their collaborative efforts on Nutcrackers, a comedy directed by David Gordon Green and starring Stiller. This anticipated film is set to premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on November 29, after its world premiere at the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Fineman is represented by leading agencies including CAA, Nicole Garcia Management, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols. Oswalt is managed by UTA, Independent Artists Media, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Chen has representation through UTA and 3 Arts Entertainment, while Kove is supported by Advanced Management and Feig Finkel LLP. Parnell’s career is backed by Buchwald and Rise Management, Taylor by UTA and Strand Entertainment, and iconic tennis figure McEnroe is represented by IMG.
**Interview with Jake Johnson on “The Dink”**
**Editor**: Jake, thanks for joining us today to talk about your upcoming film, “The Dink.” It looks like you’ve got quite an ensemble cast with both comedic talent and sports legends. Can you share what attracted you to this project?
**Jake Johnson**: Absolutely! The first thing that drew me in was the script. It’s fresh, funny, and really captures the essence of pickleball as a sport that’s growing in popularity. Plus, working with a cast that includes Chloe Fineman and Patton Oswalt is an incredible opportunity. These are people I respect tremendously, and their comedic timing elevates the whole project.
**Editor**: Speaking of the ensemble, you’ve got some big names on board, including John McEnroe and Martin Kove. How has their involvement influenced the production?
**Jake Johnson**: It’s inspiring, to be honest. John McEnroe is not just a tennis legend; he brings this competitive energy that is infectious. Having someone with his level of expertise brings authenticity to the sport aspect of the film. And Martin Kove? He’s such an iconic figure in cinema. Working alongside him has been a masterclass in acting.
**Editor**: Can you tell us a bit about your character and his journey in “The Dink”?
**Jake Johnson**: Sure! I play a washed-up tennis pro who finds himself in a tough spot, trying to save a struggling sports club. It’s a mix of comedy and heart, showcasing his journey of self-discovery while getting back into competitive sports, all wrapped in the fun and quirky world of pickleball.
**Editor**: With so much focus on pickleball, do you see it becoming a bigger part of mainstream sports culture?
**Jake Johnson**: Oh, definitely! It’s such an accessible sport, and people are having a blast playing it. I think “The Dink” captures that spirit and humorfully reflects the transformation of sports culture, especially as we see how different generations engage with these activities.
**Editor**: Lastly, what can audiences expect when they see “The Dink”?
**Jake Johnson**: Expect a lot of laughs, heartwarming moments, and, of course, some great pickleball action! It’s a feel-good movie about friendship, rekindling passions, and the joy of sports. Plus, the comedic interplay between this fantastic cast will have you smiling throughout!
**Editor**: Thanks for sharing your insights, Jake! We can’t wait to see “The Dink” come to life!
**Jake Johnson**: Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to see it!
