EXCLUSIVE: Air Bud Returns will hit theaters coast to coast on Aug. 21 this year via Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment.
Air Bud Returns is not a sequel to the canine movies originally distributed by Disney, rather it’s billed as a theatrical relaunch of the multigenerational, global franchise about the basketball-playing Golden Retriever, Buddy.
Air Bud Returns unfolds in Fernfield, the original hometown where Buddy’s legend began. Thirteen-year-old Jacob dreams of becoming a basketball star like his dad. After his father’s passing, that dream feels further away than ever. When Jacob and his mother move into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob discovers an old VHS tape marked Air Bud. He discovers his father played on the Timberwolves team alongside the legendary, basketball-playing golden retriever, Buddy. When Jacob meets a stray golden retriever, he later names Buddy, they form a bond that leads them on a journey to unite a team of misfits, qualify for the Christmas tournament, and chase a championship. They rediscover that belief in his family legacy, learn to play from the heart, and always take the shot.
Pic stars Tracy Ifeachor (The Pitt, The Originals, Doctor Who: The End of Time, Wonka) as Jasmine, Edwin Lee Gibson (The Bear) as Jack, Tyler Labine (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, New Amsterdam) as Walter, and Aydin Artis as Jacob. It is written and directed by franchise creator Robert Vince and produced by Anna McRoberts.
The movie’s theatrical release is appropriately timed to National Golden Retriever Day, Aug. 21.
“Air Bud has, for nearly three decades, stood for heartwarming family values, reminding us to ‘play from the heart’ and ‘when given the opportunity, to always take the shot,’” said Vince. “Air Bud Returns honors that legacy while introducing the next generation to Buddy on the big screen. And yes, there still… ‘Ain’t no rule says a dog can’t play basketball.’”
Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias added, “Watching Air Bud Returns come together has been a memorable experience, and we can’t wait for families to enjoy watching Buddy on the big screen again for the first time. The team, including our canine and human cast, have worked incredibly hard to bring Robert’s vision to life, and I can think of no better way to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day — yes, it’s a thing! — than announcing its release date.”
The original Air Bud movie came out in 1997, grossed north of $23M stateside and was directed by Charles Martin Smith. The 1998 sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver, was released by Miramax and earned north of $10M in North America.
Cineverse released Terrifier 3 in October 2024 to great box office success, the movie earning over $90M at the global box office off a $2M production cost.