The beloved Air Bud series is making a thrilling comeback, and the excitement is already building! The new movie, Air Bud Returns, is set to hit theaters in 2026, bringing fresh faces and beloved canine stars back to the big screen. But here’s where it gets controversial: will this reboot capture the magic of the original, or will it struggle to live up to fans’ expectations?
The film’s cast boasts talented actors such as Aydin Artis, known for Blue’s Clues & You, Tracy Ifeachor from The Pitt, Edwin Lee Gibson of The Bear, Tyler Labine (New Amsterdam), Erik Gow (Yellowjackets), and Maxim Swinton (Bookie). Production is already underway, with Robert Vince—who originally created the Air Bud franchise—returning as writer and director. The movie promises to carry on the sports-filled spirit of the 1997 classic.
At the heart of the story is Buddy, the basketball-loving golden retriever, brought to life in this installment by Roscoe. In addition, two other golden retrievers, Charlie and Summer, who won the recent “The Search for the Next Air Bud” contest, will share the spotlight by performing stunt and basketball scenes. This three-dog lineup was chosen by reputable animal trainer Mark Forbes, ensuring a dynamic canine performance. The production is a joint effort between Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment.
Air Bud Returns follows 12-year-old Jacob (played by Artis), a young basketball hopeful struggling to navigate the pain of losing his father. Moving to his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield with his mother (Ifeachor), Jacob stumbles upon a VHS tape showing his late father playing basketball alongside a golden retriever with impressive skills. Inspired, Jacob embarks on his own journey with a neglected golden retriever he names Buddy.
Interestingly, the original setting of Fernfield is now being portrayed by Fort Langley in British Columbia, where filming recently began. Robert Vince, who has been the franchise’s guiding force since its inception—having produced all 14 main Air Bud films along with the Air Buddies and Santa Paws spin-offs—is once again at the helm. Vince and Anna McRoberts are producing this new chapter.
Vince shared his enthusiasm about the project: “We couldn’t be more excited to start filming Air Bud Returns with such an incredible cast. The nationwide search for our new Buddy showed us just how much this franchise touches families everywhere. With an outstanding cast and our talented canine stars, this film aims to carry forward the warmth and enchantment that made the original so beloved internationally.”
The original Air Bud, directed by Charles Martin Smith, premiered in 1997 and introduced audiences to the golden retriever who joins a high school basketball team. Its success led to the 1998 sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver. This new film hopes to rekindle the love across generations.
Yolanda Macias, Cineverse’s chief motion pictures officer, added, “Announcing our cast alongside the golden retrievers who bring Buddy to life at the start of production perfectly celebrates the return of the Air Bud legacy. This franchise has always bridged generations, and we’re thrilled that Air Bud Returns will continue to bring families together.”
So, here’s a question for the fans: Can this new film live up to the charm and heart of the original, or is it destined to be just another reboot? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation going!
