Beloved Dog Star Buddy Leads Heartwarming 'Air Bud Returns' Sequel

In an exciting development for fans of the beloved 'Air Bud' franchise, it has been announced that a new sequel titled 'Air Bud Returns' is currently in production and set for a 2026 theatrical release. The film will continue the story of the basketball-playing golden retriever Buddy, who captivated audiences in the original 1997 hit.

Starring in the lead roles are Aydin Artis (Blue's Clues & You), Tracy Ifeachor (The Pitt), Edwin Lee Gibson (The Bear), Tyler Labine (New Amsterdam), Erik Gow (Yellowjackets), and Maxim Swinton (Bookie). The talented ensemble will bring the heartwarming tale to life, with Roscoe the golden retriever portraying the iconic Buddy.

The film follows 12-year-old Jacob, an aspiring basketball player coping with the recent loss of his father. After moving to his dad's childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob discovers a VHS tape of his father playing basketball with a hoops-shooting golden retriever. This sets Jacob on a new adventure with a neglected golden retriever he names Buddy.

Production on 'Air Bud Returns' is currently underway in Fort Langley, British Columbia, with writer-director Robert Vince at the helm. Vince, the creator of the original 'Air Bud' franchise, is excited to bring the beloved story back to the big screen, stating, "The passion we saw during the nationwide search for the next Buddy was a reminder of how deeply this franchise resonates with families."

As the highly anticipated sequel prepares for its 2026 release, fans can look forward to the continued heartwarming tale of the basketball-playing golden retriever Buddy and the inspiring journey of a young boy finding solace and friendship in the most unexpected of places.