Pickleball, the rapidly growing sport, is making its way to the silver screen with the upcoming comedy “The Dink.” Former tennis world No. 1 Andy Roddick will make his big screen debut in the film, which stars Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro forced to play pickleball to save a club in crisis.
The film, produced by Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films, also features Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris in supporting roles. Josh Greenbaum will direct the film, with Rivulet Films also producing. Filming is set to begin in Los Angeles this November.
The news of “The Dink” has raised questions about whether it will have the same impact on pickleball as the Zendaya-led “Challengers” had on tennis this year. After the release of “Challengers,” searches for “adult tennis lessons” increased by 245% worldwide, and the film generated award show buzz.
Pickleball, already the fastest growing sport in the USA, is expected to gain even more popularity as “The Dink” introduces the sport to a wider audience. The film’s release is likely to spark a surge in interest in pickleball, similar to the “tenniscore” trend that emerged after “Challengers.”
With its accessible gameplay and social nature, pickleball has attracted a diverse range of players, including celebrities like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady. The sport’s popularity has led to the construction of new courts and the formation of leagues and tournaments across the country.
“The Dink” is poised to further fuel the pickleball craze by showcasing the sport’s humor, competitiveness, and inclusivity. The film’s star-studded cast and the involvement of experienced producers like Ben Stiller suggest that “The Dink” has the potential to become a cultural phenomenon and introduce pickleball to a new generation of fans.
