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Ben Stiller and Andy Roddick Team Up for Pickleball Comedy

Adam Forziati
Team The Kitchen

Last Edited

Sep 26 2024

Category

News

Finally, pickleball gets a starring role on the big screen. Former tennis champ Andy Roddick is making his Hollywood debut in The Dink, a pickleball comedy produced by none other than actor Ben Stiller.

In this sports flick, Jake Johnson (New Girl) takes the lead as a washed-up tennis pro who has no choice but to pick up a paddle and play pickleball to save his flailing club—and win the respect of his father.

With production kicking off this November in LA, The Dink is poised to introduce pickleball to millions of movie fans. 

Actors Starring in 'The Dink' Pickleball Movie

So far, the following actors have been announced in leading roles:

  • Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers)
  • Ed Harris (Top Gun: Maverick)

Andy Roddick is expected to inject his tennis pedigree into the storyline.

Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) will direct the film. Production is set to kick off November 2024 in Los Angeles.

Pickleball’s Pop Culture Moment

This news prompts an interesting connection between the 2004 comedy Dodgeball and celebrity interest in pickleball. 

Both Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn had leading roles in that flick, and both apparently are willing to invest time (and money) into the sport. Vaughn bought a majority stake in an NPL team earlier this year.

Aside from this landmark accomplishment, pickleball’s been creeping into pop culture for years now.

HBO's The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal is famously obsessed, and The Morning Show (Apple TV+) recently had Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon battling it out on the pickleball court.

Read Next: Movie Theater Chains Hoping Pickleball Helps Ticket Sales

Even Billions gave the sport some love in its final season. Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio are also known to pick up a paddle.

Now, with The Dink set to hit theaters, pickleball’s going next level. It’s no longer just a backyard hobby—pickleball is showing up where mainstream sports used to dominate. With its fast pace and fun appeal, it’s easy to see why Hollywood’s leaning into the craze.

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