Mary Steenburgen, an Oscar-winner known for her roles in "Elf" and "Step Brothers," found her athletic calling in pickleball, a sport that perfectly blends competition with camaraderie. Her passion for the game is now central to the new sports comedy film "The Dink," now available on Apple TV+.
Steenburgen told Decider that the sport's inherent joy was what drew her in. "If I’m going to play a sport, it’s going to have to involve laughter," she said. This philosophy is evident in her portrayal of Candace in "The Dink," directed by Josh Greenbaum, who also helmed "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar."
The film features Jake Johnson as Dusty, a former tennis pro who initially dismisses pickleball. However, as Dusty partners with Candace, he develops a newfound appreciation for the sport, mirroring Steenburgen's own experience. "It’s something that is for all ages. It’s something that, at my age, I can actually get better at, and grow in," Steenburgen shared.
Steenburgen's performance in "The Dink" heavily features her real-life pickleball skills. She noted that most of the on-court action was performed by her, with only a few shots handled by professional players like Beth Bellamy, a top-ranked player over 50. Steenburgen recounted a visit to Bellamy's home where she witnessed an intense mother-son pickleball match, remarking on the players' skill and the humor of the situation.
While the script did not initially explore a romantic relationship between Candace and Dusty, Steenburgen acknowledged the chemistry with Johnson and the potential for such a storyline. Ultimately, she felt the film's ending, focusing on partnership and friendship, was more fitting for the characters' needs.
A memorable scene in "The Dink" involves Candace slapping Dusty after he criticizes country music. Steenburgen admitted to being hesitant during the first take, describing her attempt as "wimpy." Director Josh Greenbaum encouraged her to deliver a more impactful slap on the second take, which Johnson acknowledged as stinging.
The film also marks the final role for Lynne Marie Stewart, best known as Miss Yvonne from "The Pee-wee Herman Show." Stewart, who passed away in February 2025, played Candace's pickleball teammate, Judy. Steenburgen remembered Stewart as a delightful and funny presence on set. The filmmakers reportedly took a rough cut of the movie to Stewart in hospice so she could see her final performance, a gesture Steenburgen found particularly touching.