Jake Johnson Pickleball Movie The Dink Was Stressful to Film 2026

Jake Johnson reveals that filming the pickleball movie The Dink was incredibly stressful despite the lighthearted premise. The actor, best known for New Girl, had no prior experience with the sport but underwent months of intensive training to convincingly portray a former tennis pro turned pickleball upstart.

In a candid interview, Johnson explained that the pressure came from performing highly choreographed match sequences. “It was like WWE. They call it fake wrestling. The outcome is there, but you still have to wrestle. That was probably the most stressful part of the film to me.”

Why Johnson Chose a Light Comedy

Johnson sought out a project that offered pure escapism. With the 2024 U.S. presidential election looming, he wanted to avoid contributing to divisive discourse. “I thought, if I’m going to make something, I don’t want to throw more wood on to that fire,” he said. The result is a film that feels old school—big comedic set pieces, no heavy messaging, and plenty of laughs.

Ironically, the script came from writer Sean Clements, who took up pickleball and befriended a group of competitive older women in Beverly Hills. “They talk so much shit, and get so competitive, it’s just so funny,” Johnson noted.

Pickleball vs. Tennis: Training Comparison

Johnson’s training regimen combined pickleball drills with tennis fundamentals to make his on-screen performance believable. He worked with a coach daily for several months, focusing on agility, paddle control, and match flow.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• Stress and physicality—Johnson found the fake match sequences more demanding than any stunt work.
• Escapist entertainment—The film deliberately avoids political or social commentary.
• Pickleball’s appeal—The sport’s fun, competitive spirit attracted a diverse cast of characters.
• Career persistence—Johnson continues to choose roles that challenge him creatively.
• Authenticity matters—Even in comedy, realistic portrayal of sport enhances the story.

Behind the Scenes of ‘The Dink’

Johnson also discussed reconnecting with Ben Stiller, who has a cameo in the film. “Working with Ben was a dream. He’s so sharp and improvisational.” The camaraderie on set mirrored the playful tone of the movie.

The actor admitted that stepping away from darker roles was refreshing. “New Girl was so scary I had to stop smoking pot,” he joked, referring to the show’s intense emotional arcs. With The Dink, he found the perfect balance of fun and challenge.

FAQ

Johnson’s journey into pickleball may have started with no experience, but his dedication to the role shows that perseverance pays off. The Dink promises to be a fun, feel-good comedy that reminds us of the joy of play—and the absurdity of taking a plastic ball too seriously.