After a long hiatus from the big screen, the beloved canine basketball star, Air Bud, is set to return in a new film titled 'Air Bud Returns.' Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment announced the film, slated for release in summer 2026, marking the first theatrical entry in the franchise since 1998. Fans can watch for updates on the official Air Bud Instagram account.
One of America's most famous golden retriever s is back on the 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.
\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.\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.\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 '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. 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
Air Bud Movie Basketball Golden Retriever Casting Summer 2026 Family Film
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is back for 2026 | Car NewsThe Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is back for 2026 with the Jailbreak customization program.
Read more »
GOP mocks Democrats with memo about wildly unpopular ‘Project 2026’ goals, Dems shoot backFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
iPhone 18 Air Might Be Apple's Cheapest New iPhone In The Second Half Of 2026Chris started blogging about tech by accident when he figured out his passion for consumer electronics, especially mobile devices, and telling stories could be intertwined.
Read more »
Rep. Sam Liccardo wants to help Democrats take back the House in 2026Liccardo said that part of Democrats’ legislative mission has to be around messaging.
Read more »
Air Bud is back: Golden retrievers audition to be the next basketball star“Air Bud Returns,' the 15th film in the long-running franchise, is set to hit theaters in 2026. Casting is underway, and golden retrievers from across the country are auditioning to play the basketball-loving dog.
Read more »
Mortal Kombat II gets flying bicycle-kicked back to May 2026Get over there: New Line has booted Karl Urban's Mortal Kombat II from its October 2025 release date to next May.
Read more »