Air Bud Returns Reboots Beloved Franchise with New Star and Release

The iconic basketball-playing golden retriever is making a major comeback. A new sequel, Air Bud Returns, has officially started production. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026, continuing the beloved family franchise that began in 1997.

This new chapter introduces a fresh cast and a heartfelt story. According to The Hollywood Reporter, production is currently underway in British Columbia.

New Cast and Canine Stars for Air Bud Returns

The film will star Aydin Artis as a young boy named Jacob. Tracy Ifeachor, Edwin Lee Gibson, and Tyler Labine round out the human cast. The role of Buddy will be performed by a golden retriever named Roscoe.

Two other golden retrievers, Charlie and Summer, will double for stunt sequences. They were discovered through a recent nationwide contest. The search aimed to find the next canine star for the iconic role.

A Story of Legacy and Connection

Air Bud Returns follows 12-year-old Jacob. He moves to his late father’s childhood home after a personal loss. There, he finds an old VHS tape showing his dad playing with the original Buddy.

This discovery leads Jacob to a neglected golden retriever. He names the dog Buddy and begins his own adventure. The story aims to capture the heart and magic of the original film.

Director Robert Vince is returning to helm the project. He created the original Air Bud franchise and has produced all its subsequent films. Vince expressed excitement about the new cast and the passion seen during the dog search.

The return of Air Bud Returns promises to deliver the same family-friendly charm that made the original a global phenomenon, introducing a new generation to the magic of a hoops-shooting dog.

Dropping this nugget your way

When will Air Bud Returns be released?

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026. Production is currently underway in Canada. An exact date has not yet been announced.

Who is starring in the new Air Bud movie?

The human cast includes Aydin Artis, Tracy Ifeachor, and Tyler Labine. The canine star is a golden retriever named Roscoe. Two other dogs, Charlie and Summer, will perform stunts.

Is this a remake of the original Air Bud?

No, this is a new sequel titled *Air Bud Returns*. It follows a new boy who discovers a connection to the original Buddy. The story is a continuation of the franchise legacy.

Who is directing the new film?

Robert Vince, the creator of the *Air Bud* franchise, is directing. He has produced all previous films in the series. He is also a producer on this new installment.

Where is the movie being filmed?

Production is taking place in Fort Langley, British Columbia. This location stands in for the fictional town of Fernfield. The original film was also shot in British Columbia.