Is ‘The Dink’ Sequel Happening on Apple TV? Here’s What We Know

Pickleball enthusiasts and fans of Jake Johnson have reason to celebrate this week, as ‘The Dink’ has officially launched on Apple TV. This sports comedy, which follows a washed-up tennis prodigy finding unexpected redemption on the pickleball court, premiered globally on July 24, 2026, and is already generating significant buzz online.

With the film just released, viewers are curious about what lies ahead for Dusty Boyd and his quirky team of paddle-wielding underdogs. Is a sequel already in the works, or is this a standalone story like many other streaming originals?

As of now, there has been no official word from Apple TV, Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films, or Rivulet Entertainment regarding a sequel to ‘The Dink’. The film was acquired for worldwide distribution by Apple Original Films in August 2025 and made its debut on July 24, 2026, but the press rollout has not mentioned any plans for a follow-up.

The film’s global premiere occurred on July 20, 2026, at The Atrium at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, featuring stars Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, and Aaron Chen, along with director Josh Greenbaum and writer Sean Clements. Coverage from the event and the film’s press day has not suggested a sequel is in the works.

Critics have also shared their thoughts on the film, which may provide insight into the viability of a sequel. One review labeled ‘The Dink’ as watchable yet bland, describing it as dorky and formulaic despite Johnson’s likable presence. Another outlet commented on the lack of big laughs, although it praised the chemistry between Johnson and Steenburgen’s characters. Mixed reviews like these don’t necessarily eliminate the chances for a sequel in the streaming landscape, but they also don’t indicate strong franchise potential.

Given the absence of confirmed news about a follow-up, it’s interesting to speculate on what a ‘The Dink’ sequel might entail. The film joins a growing lineup of sports content on Apple TV, alongside titles like ‘F1 The Movie’ and ‘Stephen Curry Underrated’, indicating Apple’s genuine interest in sports-related programming. If ‘The Dink’ performs well with subscribers, a sequel focusing on Dusty’s ongoing pickleball journey or a rematch against Andy Roddick’s fictionalized character could be plausible.

Another option could be for Apple to explore the ensemble cast’s dynamic rather than creating a direct sequel. With talents like Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Patton Oswalt, and Chris Parnell involved, a spinoff centered around the country club, rather than solely on Dusty, might be an easier pitch for the studio.

Pickleball has been dubbed the fastest-growing sport in America, and that cultural momentum could be enough for Apple to continue exploring content related to the sport, whether in sequel form or otherwise.

It’s also important to note that director Josh Greenbaum is currently busy with his upcoming film, described as ‘Spaceballs: The New One,’ set for release in 2027. This means any potential sequel to ‘The Dink’ would likely have to wait until after that project if Greenbaum were to return.

Johnson’s role in the project extended beyond acting; he was also one of the producers on ‘The Dink’ alongside Ben Stiller and John Lesher, which gives him a vested interest in the story’s continuation. Producers with a stake in the project often have significant influence over whether a studio greenlights a sequel, especially if the film performs well on a streaming platform’s internal metrics.

However, Johnson is not lacking in other opportunities. ‘The Dink’ premiered shortly after his other Apple project, ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’, indicating that his relationship with the streamer is ongoing.

Whether this relationship will lead to a pickleball sequel remains uncertain, but the door is clearly open given how frequently he and Apple TV seem to collaborate.

Fans on social media have made comparisons between ‘The Dink’ and ‘Dodgeball,’ with many hoping for a sequel that captures a similar spirit. Critics have noted that Stiller’s involvement as a producer enhances the impression that ‘The Dink’ aims to do for pickleball what ‘Dodgeball’ did for its sport, fueling speculation that Apple could be considering a longer-term comedic universe centered around underdog sports.

For now, ‘The Dink’ remains a self-contained story, and Apple TV has not indicated any plans to expand Dusty Boyd’s world and his pickleball adventures. Currently, the film holds an 80 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 25 critics, with an average score of 6.1 out of 10, suggesting a generally positive but not overwhelming critical reception.

Apple’s streaming strategy has increasingly focused on original sports comedies and dramas, so even without a direct sequel, viewers shouldn’t be surprised if the streamer revisits similar themes in the future. Until an official announcement is made, everything regarding a potential ‘The Dink’ sequel remains speculation based on cast chemistry, genre trends, and Apple’s evident enthusiasm for sports storytelling.

Do you think Dusty Boyd deserves another chance at redemption on the pickleball court, or should ‘The Dink’ remain a standalone underdog tale?