Jake Johnson Stars in Pickleball Comedy 'The Dink'

Actor Jake Johnson is starring in the new comedy film 'The Dink,' a movie he describes as a spiritual successor to 'Dodgeball.' In the film, Johnson portrays Dusty Boyd, a former tennis professional who becomes a pickleball competitor. Despite the role, Johnson admitted he had no prior experience with pickleball before taking the part. He undertook months of intensive training in both pickleball and tennis to realistically portray the sport at a high level for the movie's climax.

Johnson likened the on-screen sports performance to professional wrestling, noting that while the outcomes are predetermined, the physical execution still requires significant effort and stress. He shared this during a video call from Los Angeles, where he also touched upon his past role as Nick in the popular television comedy 'New Girl.' He humorously recalled that the show was so intense for him at one point that he had to stop smoking marijuana.

The film 'The Dink' also features a cameo appearance by Ben Stiller. Johnson's character, Dusty Boyd, is depicted as a plucky underdog in the world of pickleball, a sport often associated with retirees. The actor's commitment to the role involved extensive preparation to ensure his on-screen athleticism was convincing, highlighting the demanding nature of portraying athletes even in a comedic context.