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Actor Kevin Zegers appears with Buddy the golden retriever at the premiere of “Air Bud: Golden Receiver” in Los Angeles in 1998. The franchise is set to return with “Air Bud Returns” in 2026. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
LOS ANGELES – One of America’s most famous golden retrievers is headed back to the basketball court.
Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment announced that “Air Bud Returns” will hit theaters in summer 2026, the first movie in the franchise to get a big-screen release since 1998. The family film is written and directed by Robert Vince, who created the original “Air Bud” in 1997.
Golden retrievers audition to be the next Air Bud
For the first time in franchise history, filmmakers are holding open auditions to find the dog that will play Buddy, the basketball-playing golden retriever at the heart of the series.
“We introduced the world to an incredible retriever called Air Bud,” Vince said. “For the first time ever, we’re opening up the auditions for the next Air Bud.”
Applicants must be purebred golden retrievers who are athletic, trainable, and ideally enthusiastic about basketball. Owners are asked to submit a 60- to 90-second video showing their dogs performing basic commands and any special basketball moves.
From thousands of entries to the Top 30
Air Bud Entertainment said thousands of goldens have entered, but only 30 remain in contention. The production team has been showcasing the top contenders on Instagram, giving fans a first look at the dogs vying for stardom.
Among the finalists are pups like Bloo, Wong Wong, and Nina Ricci, each introduced with a collectible-style “Air Bud Returns” trading card. Fans have been flooding the comments with support, with many joking that all 30 should be cast.
What is “Air Bud Returns” about?
The new movie will follow a 12-year-old boy who dreams of basketball stardom but is struggling after the death of his father. When he finds an old VHS copy of the original “Air Bud” in his childhood home, a new golden retriever named Buddy enters his life, helping him heal and leading a team of underdogs toward a championship.
Vince said the film will honor the legacy of the original while reaching a new audience.
“This movie will engage nostalgic Air Bud fans while introducing a new generation to the beloved basketball-playing golden retriever, Buddy,” Vince said in a news release. “It builds upon the legacy of the OG Air Bud with all the fun, the magic, heartwarming scenes, and Buddy playing basketball.”
The backstory:
The “Air Bud” franchise began in 1997 with Disney’s release of the original film, which became a family favorite. It was followed by a theatrical sequel, “Air Bud: Golden Receiver,” and a long line of direct-to-video films, including the “Air Buddies” and “Santa Paws” spin-offs.
Despite the move away from theaters, the franchise has been a commercial success, generating more than $220 million to date, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
What’s next:
Casting for the new Air Bud continues, with the final choice expected ahead of filming. Fans can follow the competition and check out the Top 30 contenders on the official Air Bud Instagram account.
“Air Bud Returns” is slated for release in summer 2026.
The Source: This report is based on announcements from Air Bud Entertainment and Cineverse, official social media posts, and prior reporting from Variety.