Apple adds sports comedy ‘The Dink’ to feature pipeline

Apple Original Films, whose F1 is closing on $600m at the global box office, has added sports comedy The Dink produced by Severance partner Ben Stiller to the studio’s film slate.

Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Aaron Chen, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor star. Tennis greats John McEnroe and Andy Roddick are said to be in “key supporting roles”, and Stiller is expected to feature in the cast.

Will & Harper director Josh Greenbaum helms from a screenplay by Sean Clements. Producers include Stiller’s partner at Red Hour Films, John Lesher, as well as Rob Paris and Mike Witherill for Rivulet Entertainment, and Johnson.

Rick Steele, Clements, Greenbaum, Joe Hardesty, Jonathan McCoy, and Daniel Crosser serve as executive producers.

No further details were available about a potential theatrical distribution partner or release date. The Dink wrapped last December and stars Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro desperate to save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect who does the unthinkable and starts to play pickleball.

The features pipeline includes Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest starring Denzel Washington that opens this week (August 22); and Paul Greengrass’s rescue drama and upcoming TIFF world premiere The Lost Bus starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.

Stiller and Rivulet recently collaborated on Nutcrackers directed by David Gordon Green. TV show Severance led the way at the Emmys nominations recently on 27.

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