Air Bud Returns
| Air Bud Returns | |
|---|---|
Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Robert Vince |
| Written by | Robert Vince |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
Production company | Air Bud Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Cineverse |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Air Bud Returns is an upcoming American sports comedy-drama film written and directed by Robert Vince. It is the 15th film in the Air Bud series, and the first to be released theatrically since 1998.
The film is scheduled to be released in the United States by Cineverse on August 21, 2026.
Premise
12-year-old Jacob, coping with his father's death, moves with his mother to Fernfield, Washington. There, he finds a VHS copy of Air Bud and befriends a stray Golden Retriever named Buddy. Together, they join local children to form a basketball team and compete for a championship.[1]
Cast
- Aydin Artis as Jacob, Buddy's new owner
- Tracy Ifeachor as Jasmine, Jacob's widowed mother
- Edwin Lee Gibson as Jack
- Tyler Labine as Walter
- Erik Gow as Marvin
- Maxim Swinton as Adam
- Charlie & Summer as Buddy
Production
In July 2025, Cineverse announced that they were developing a new film in the Air Bud series, titled Air Bud Returns with Robert Vince writing, directing, and producing. Vince served as a producer on all of the previous Air Bud films.[2] Golden Retrievers Charlie and Summer were selected from over 5,000 dogs to double as Buddy in basketball and stunt sequences.[1] In October 2025, Aydin Artis, Tracy Ifeachor, Edwin Lee Gibson, Tyler Labine, Erik Gow, and Maxim Swinton joined the cast.[3]
Principal photography began in Fort Langley, British Columbia on October 9, 2025.[4] Production on Air Bud Returns has been announced to have wrapped on November 15, 2025.[5]
Release
Air Bud Returns is scheduled to be released in theatres in the United States by Cineverse on August 21, 2026, making it the first in the Air Bud franchise to be theatrically released since its sequel, Golden Receiver in 1998.[2][6]
References
- ^ a b Moreau, Jordan (September 25, 2025). "'Air Bud Returns' Casts Its Dogs: Golden Retrievers Charlie and Summer Chosen From 5,000 Canines". Variety. Archived from the original on September 25, 2025. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ a b Earl, William (July 24, 2025). "'Air Bud Returns': 15th Film in Franchise, From Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment, Eyes 2026 Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Gajewski, Ryan (October 8, 2025). "'Air Bud Returns' Movie Reboot Sets Cast Ahead of 2026 Release (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2025. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ "AIR BUD RETURNS Production Rolls in 'Fernfield' with Buddy and Ensemble Cast". CBS 42. October 9, 2025. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ "Air Bud Returns has wrapped [...]". Facebook. November 28, 2025. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 3, 2026). "Cineverse Sets Late Summer Theatrical Release For 'Air Bud Returns'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 3, 2026.