Andy Roddick joins star-studded cast in new pickleball comedy

A fresh take on sports comedy

Former tennis champion Andy Roddick is set to make his acting debut alongside Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris in the upcoming pickleball comedy, “The Dink.” Directed by Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” this film promises to bring a unique blend of humor and sports drama to the big screen.

Behind the scenes: The creative minds

Greenbaum, who is also working on the documentary “Will & Harper,” will helm the project. The screenplay, penned by Sean Clements of “Workaholics” and “Kevin Can Fk Himself” fame, is set to begin principal photography this November in Los Angeles. The production is backed by Ben Stiller’s** Red Hour Films and Rivulet Films, with Stiller also taking on a supporting role.

Plot insights: A journey of redemption

In “The Dink,” Jake Johnson plays a washed-up tennis pro struggling to save a club in crisis and earn his father’s respect. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he is forced to break a solemn vow and play pickleball, a sport he swore he would never touch. While the roles of the other cast members remain under wraps, the film’s premise promises a mix of heartfelt moments and comedic twists.

Production powerhouse: Rivulet Films and Red Hour Films

Rivulet Films is fully financing the production, with senior strategic advisor Rick Steele serving as executive producer alongside Clements and Greenbaum. Rob Paris and Mike Witherill of Rivulet will produce the film with Stiller and John Lesher of Red Hour Films. This collaboration follows their recent success with “Nutcrackers,” a family comedy directed by David Gordon Green that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was sold to Hulu for a substantial sum.

Spotlight on Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson, who will also serve as a producer on “The Dink,” is best known for his role as Nick Miller in the sitcom “New Girl” and for voicing a version of Peter Parker in Sony’s animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Johnson recently showcased his versatility by writing, starring in, and directing “Self Reliance,” a comedic thriller about a man who must outwit hunters in a deadly game for a million-dollar prize. His character believes he has found a loophole, as he can only be attacked when alone, but struggles to convince his friends and family of the game’s reality.

The versatile Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller, whose comedy credentials include “Zoolander” and “Tropic Thunder,” is gearing up for the release of the second season of “Severance,” an Apple TV+ show where he serves as director and executive producer. Stiller’s involvement in “The Dink” adds a layer of credibility and anticipation to the project, given his track record of successful comedies.

Esteemed cast members

Mary Steenburgen, an Academy Award-winning actress known for “Melvin and Howard,” “Step Brothers,” “Elf,” and “Book Club,” brings her extensive experience to the film. Ed Harris, celebrated for his roles in “The Hours,” “The Truman Show,” “Apollo 13,” and “Pollack,” recently starred in “Top Gun: Maverick” and A24’s crime thriller “Love Lies Bleeding” with Kristen Stewart. Their inclusion in the cast elevates the film’s potential for both critical and commercial success.

Industry representation

The cast and crew of “The Dink” are represented by some of the industry’s top agencies. Johnson is represented by UTA, Birch Public Relations, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein. Stiller is represented by WME, ID, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Steenburgen by UTA, Entertainment 360, Wolf-Kasteler Public Relations, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Harris by CAA, Jill Fritzo PR, and Ziffren Brittenham. Roddick by WME. Greenbaum by UTA, Entertainment 360, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark. Clements by UTA and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis.

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