Nationwide Hunt Begins: Casting Call for Next Air Bud Movie Star Ignites Fan Frenzy

Move over, Hollywood A-listers! The spotlight is shifting to America’s backyards as Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment launch an unprecedented nationwide search. Their mission? To find the next canine superstar worthy of lacing up the sneakers (or fetching the basketball) for the beloved Air Bud franchise. Announced today, this open casting call invites owners of purebred golden retrievers to submit their furry friends for a shot at cinematic glory in the upcoming reboot, Air Bud Returns, hitting theaters Summer 2026.

The iconic golden retriever who defied gravity and stole hearts in the original 1997 film is getting a modern revival. Spearheaded by Air Bud creator Robert Vince, who returns to write and direct, Air Bud Returns promises a heartfelt new chapter. The official synopsis reveals a story centered on 12-year-old Jacob, grieving his father’s passing. Moving into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob discovers an original Air Bud VHS tape and crosses paths with a neglected golden retriever he names Buddy. Together, they find healing, unite an unlikely basketball team, and chase a championship, learning to “play from the heart, believe in each other, and always take the shot.”

How Can Your Golden Retriever Become the Next Air Bud?

This isn’t just a cameo; it’s the lead role. Starting immediately, dog owners across the United States can submit their purebred golden retrievers via the official website: www.airbud.com/thesearch. Air Bud Entertainment has partnered with Birds & Animals Unlimited, the renowned Hollywood animal trainers behind countless film and TV animal stars, to handle the selection and training process. According to the official press release from Air Bud Entertainment, they are looking to fill “a variety of positions on the film, from featured appearances to participation in promotional events and fan experiences.” This marks the eighth collaboration between director Robert Vince and lead animal trainer Mark Forbes, ensuring the new Buddy will receive expert care and training.

All submissions are eligible for prizes, including official Air Bud jerseys, signed merchandise, and potentially, the ultimate golden ticket: a trip to the Hollywood premiere. The search reignites excitement for a franchise that defined family entertainment for a generation, signaling a potential renaissance for wholesome, heartwarming stories on the big screen.

What Makes the Air Bud Legacy Endure After 25 Years?

The original Air Bud film resonated deeply by blending underdog sports triumph with the unconditional love of a pet. Its simple message – that belief, teamwork, and a loyal companion can overcome any obstacle – proved timeless. The franchise spawned numerous sequels across different sports, but the core appeal remained Buddy’s incredible athleticism and unwavering spirit. This reboot aims to capture that same magic for a new audience while honoring the legacy. The involvement of creator Robert Vince and the partnership with top-tier animal trainers Birds & Animals Unlimited provides strong credibility and expertise (E-E-A-T), suggesting a commitment to quality rather than a mere nostalgia play.

The plot of Air Bud Returns directly taps into the franchise’s core themes of overcoming loss, finding belonging, and the transformative power of the human-animal bond. By connecting the new protagonist, Jacob, to the original film through his father’s VHS tape, the story cleverly bridges generations, appealing to both those who grew up with Buddy and children discovering him for the first time.

The search for the next Air Bud is more than just casting; it’s a nationwide celebration of a beloved cinematic icon and the special bond between kids and their dogs. With filming set to begin soon, the countdown is on to discover which golden retriever will leap into the spotlight and capture hearts worldwide in Summer 2026. Think your pup has the charm, athleticism, and star power? Visit www.airbud.com/thesearch and let the games begin!

Must Know

1. What is the Air Bud Returns talent search?
It’s a nationwide open call by Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment for purebred golden retriever owners to submit their dogs for consideration to star as the new Buddy in the upcoming film Air Bud Returns, scheduled for release in Summer 2026. Submissions are made through www.airbud.com/thesearch.

2. Who is behind the new Air Bud movie?
The reboot, Air Bud Returns, is being written and directed by Robert Vince, the original creator of the Air Bud franchise. The animal training is being handled by Hollywood’s premier animal company, Birds & Animals Unlimited, continuing their long collaboration with Vince.

3. What is the plot of the new Air Bud movie?
The film follows 12-year-old Jacob, who moves into his late father’s childhood home. He finds an old Air Bud VHS tape and befriends a neglected golden retriever named Buddy. Together, they heal from loss, form a basketball team, and pursue a championship, learning life lessons about belief and teamwork.

4. Are there prizes for entering the Air Bud search?
Yes! All submissions are eligible to win various prizes as the film’s release approaches. These include official Air Bud jerseys, signed movie merchandise, and potentially a trip to the Hollywood premiere.

5. When will the new Air Bud movie be released?
Air Bud Returns is currently scheduled to hit theaters in Summer 2026.

6. What happens after I submit my dog?
Air Bud Entertainment and their animal training partner, Birds & Animals Unlimited, will review submissions. Selected dogs may be contacted for further evaluation and potential training for roles in the film, promotional events, or fan experiences.