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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Prepare yourself to relive some of your best childhood memories because 'Air Bud,' the Golden Retriever who played hoops and won people over in the late 1990s, is returning to theaters. The forthcoming film, 'Air Bud Returns,' is a touching new chapter in the venerable franchise rather than merely a reboot.
This new installment, which has been announced for publication in the summer of 2026, will combine nostalgia with a new plot and a new generation of talent. Returning as writer and director, veteran Air Bud producer Robert Vince makes sure the movie maintains its original charm. Filming already began from 1st October, in Vancouver, Canada.
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Image Courtesy: YouTube
A New Chapter for Buddy and His Team
The beloved 'Air Bud' series is getting ready for a comeback with 'Air Bud Returns,' which will hit theaters in the summer of 2026. We follow 12-year-old Jacob (played by Aydin Artis) as he and his mother (Tracy Ifeachor) relocate into his late father's childhood house in Fernfield (formerly known as Fort Langley) following his father's passing in 'Air Bud Returns.' There, he uncovers an old VHS tape of the original 'Air Bud' and meets a stray Golden Retriever he names "Buddy."
Together, Jacob and Buddy get an underdog team together, go for a basketball title, and use their relationship to find meaning and healing. After more than 5,000 dogs countrywide auditioned, two Golden Retrievers, 'Charlie' from Ohio, and 'Summer' from California, were chosen to play "Buddy." These dogs will be trained under the guidance of expert animal handlers and share the role, particularly for athletic situations and stunts.
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Image Courtesy: Variety
Edwin Lee Gibson, Tyler Labine, Erik Gow, and Maxim Swinton complete the human cast, which consists of local characters, teammates, and mentors.
A Legacy That Spans Decades and Generations
A whimsical family comedy became an unexpected hit. The original 'Air Bud' movie included Kevin Zegers as Josh Framm and a Golden Retriever named "Buddy" who could shoot basketballs. It was released in 1997. This success spawned a franchise that included 14 more movies (plus spin-offs) in which Buddy participated in various sports, including baseball, soccer, football, and volleyball.
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Image Courtesy: ABC News
The series even expanded into the 'Air Buddies' spin-offs, which included adventures with talking puppies. Interestingly, the final cinema release before this resuscitation was 'Air Bud: Golden Receiver' (1998). Sadly, the original Buddy the dog passed away in 1998, not long after the second film’s release.
"Air Bud Returns will be a new story built on the original spirit, not just a reboot or a rehash," said Robert Vince, who has been instrumental in the creative direction of the franchise (writing or directing 10 of the previous films). In an effort to appeal to contemporary audiences, the revival appeals to nostalgia for the late 1990s and early 2000s. Over a billion people have viewed the original movie in more than 30 languages, demonstrating the franchise's global appeal.
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Image Courtesy: Letterboxd
Fans are in the hope that 'Air Bud Returns' will bring back the affection, bravery, and spirit of the underdog that made Buddy a cherished cultural figure. It also hopes to inspire a new generation to believe that a dog can improve lives in addition to playing sports.
