The most beloved golden retriever is gearing up for a comeback. Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment officially announced the return of Air Bud Returns, the newest chapter in the iconic sports dog franchise, on Thursday, July 24, according to Variety. The offering has been set for a summer 2026 release. The film will be penned and helmed by Robert Vince, the reverted creative force behind the original and founder of ABE. With a legacy that includes producing every Air Bud film and directing ten, including spinoffs like Santa Paws, Vince’s return promises a nostalgic comeback of the powered canine. 

While announcing, Cineverse’s chief motion pictures officer, Yolanda Macias, said in a statement that the box office at the moment is receiving affection for titles that twist the early ‘90s and 2000s vibe. Millennial parents, per Macias, are also opting for a cinematic experience in the same thread for their kids; hence, with the reign of an iconic franchise like Air Bud, Cineverse is looking to offer a real treat to them.

According to the press release, a teenage boy named Jacob finds his dreams of becoming a basketball player threatened after his father’s sudden passing. However, everything changes when he and his mother move into his father’s childhood home in Fernfield. It is there that Jacob discovers an original VHS of the Air Bud movie in his dad’s belongings and crosses paths with the fur ball, whom he names Buddy, making the central plot of the movie. Together, the duo embarks on a journey that should favorably end in a championship win. Adding to the streak of good news, Air Bud Returns is set to begin filming soon.

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With Air Bud Returns heading into production, early details suggest the shoot will take place at a classic location.

According to Variety, Air Bud Returns will kickstart production this summer in Fort Langley, British Columbia, the same scenic town where the original Air Bud took its first leap. Returning to the roots appears to be the core theme of this entire project, with a focus also being on serving the story to a new generation. Robert Vince spoke about the latter element of the sequel during a press conference earlier today, saying the film aims to honor the legacy of the original Air Bud with “all the fun, the magic, heartwarming scenes,” and, of course, Buddy stepping into LeBron James’ shoes.

With all said, it is clear that Air Bud Returns is bouncing back in a big way and is doing so while making history as Cineverse’s very first kids and family feature. With the film’s timeless legacy and heartwarming charm, it is sure to serve nostalgia and new energy in equal measure, becoming one of the must-watch family films ever.

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Are you excited for another chapter in the Air Bud saga? Let us know in the comments.