Jake Johnson says Hollywood changed forever after losing millions in residuals

Jake Johnson discusses The Dink, Hollywood changes, lost residuals and his busy new era after New Girl success

Jake Johnson is entering one of the busiest periods of his career, with multiple television projects and films highlighting his return to the spotlight.

The New Girl star recently opened up about his latest movie The Dink, his changing relationship with Hollywood, and the challenges actors face in the streaming era.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, The Dink follows Dusty Boyd, an aging tennis player who becomes involved with a pickleball team at his father’s country club. The comedy features an ensemble cast including Ed Harris, Mary Steenburgen, Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt and Fortune Feimster. Johnson trained with tennis coach Brad Gilbert to prepare for the role despite having little experience with the sport.

The actor also reflected on the lasting impact of New Girl, which recently reached its 15th anniversary. While the series remains popular with audiences through streaming platforms, Johnson revealed that the cast did not benefit financially from modern streaming deals in the same way actors once did through traditional syndication.

Johnson said the changing entertainment landscape has brought both challenges and new opportunities, allowing creators more freedom to develop projects independently. He is currently starring in Apple TV+ thriller Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed and preparing for NBC comedy series Sunset P.I. and Hulu’s Cable Guy, inspired by the Jim Carrey film.

The actor also discussed his experience working with Tom Cruise on The Mummy, praising him as one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars. With several upcoming projects, Johnson continues to expand beyond his iconic role as Nick Miller while embracing a new chapter in his career.