Chloe Fineman and Patton Oswalt Tackle Pickleball Comedy: The Dink, a new comedy centered around the pickleball craze, has attracted an impressive roster of comedic talent and sports legends. Among the recent additions to the film’s cast are Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman, actor and comedian Patton Oswalt, and tennis icon John McEnroe. Directed by Josh Greenbaum—best known for his recent Netflix documentary “Will & Harper”—the comedy promises to bring humor and sports culture to audiences.
Joining Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, and John McEnroe are a diverse group of comedic actors, including Aaron Chen, Martin Kove of Cobra Kai fame, Chris Parnell of SNL and Archer, and Christine Taylor, recognized from roles in Dodgeball and Zoolander.
A Star-Studded Cast
“The Dink” had previously announced a stellar lineup, with Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller, and tennis star Andy Roddick leading the way. Principal photography kicked off in Los Angeles this week, with Sean Clements (Workaholics) penning the screenplay.
Sean Clements’ script follows the story of a former tennis pro who, struggling to save a pickleball club and earn his father’s respect, takes up the sport and breaks a long-standing personal vow.
Production and Creative Team
Ben Stiller and producer John Lesher are backing the project under their Red Hour Films label, with Jake Johnson, along with Rob Paris and Mike Witherill of Rivulet Films, also on board as producers.
In a recent collaborative effort, Rivulet financed the entire production, and their senior strategic advisor, Rick Steele, will serve as an executive producer alongside Sean Clements and Josh Greenbaum.
Adding to the authenticity of the sports angle, tennis coach Brad Gilbert, who has guided champions like Coco Gauff, joins the production as a technical consultant. Brad Gilbert and his wife, Kim, recently served a similar role for the tennis-centric drama Challengers by Luca Guadagnino.
This deep involvement of tennis expertise aims to lend the movie a sense of sporting credibility while highlighting the growth of pickleball.
Cast and Representation
As the production progresses, fans can anticipate standout performances from the accomplished cast. Chloe Fineman, known for her SNL work, is also set to headline Hulu’s “Summer of ’69”. Patton Oswalt brings experience from roles in “The King of Queens” and “Young Adult”. Aaron Chen, currently starring in the Netflix comedy “Fisk”, will soon appear in “Kinda Pregnant” alongside Amy Schumer.
Martin Kove brings his “Cobra Kai” intensity to the role, while Chris Parnell, a beloved SNL alum, continues his voice work on “Archer” and “Rick and Morty”. Christine Taylor recently made appearances in High Desert on Apple TV+ and Search Party on HBO Max.
As for John McEnroe, the tennis legend’s move into film is no surprise. Known for his fiery personality on the court, he has dabbled in entertainment, including appearances in “Jack and Jill” and “Anger Management”. His narration of the Netflix series “Never Have I Ever” solidified his reputation as an engaging presence off the court as well.
News in Brief: Chloe Fineman and Patton Oswalt Tackle Pickleball Comedy
The Dink, a pickleball comedy from director Josh Greenbaum, has expanded its cast with SNL’s Chloe Fineman, comedian Patton Oswalt, and tennis legend John McEnroe. Written by Sean Clements, the film follows a former tennis pro’s journey to save a club and gain his father’s respect through pickleball.
Ben Stiller and Rivulet Films are producing, with tennis coach Brad Gilbert serving as technical consultant. The cast includes Aaron Chen, Martin Kove, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor, with filming underway in Los Angeles. The Dink joins the growing trend of sports-themed comedies.
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