"Air Bud" is Back on the Court: Get Ready for a Wholesome Rebound

A heads up, hoop fans and dog lovers: it’s time to brush off your jerseys! The MVP of all four-legged athletes is bouncing back on the court. In case you’re wondering who’s taken LeBron's place, brace yourselves, because none other than Air Bud is marking his territory once again.

Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment have decided it's time for another halftime snack. They've announced "Air Bud Returns," a brand-new chapter of the charming canine's sporty saga, slated to hit screens in the summer of 2026. The ardent animal lover and narrative genius, Robert Vince, is the mastermind steering this joy ride. He's no stranger to the Air Bud universe; he’s had his paw prints on every film from the original franchise, including favorites like the festive "Santa Paws."

The wholesome 1997 classic, picked up by Disney for distribution, won hearts as a pleasantly surprising success. Ever since, the franchise's name is written in bold in the hall of fame of the rental market.

Yolanda Macias, Cineverse’s chief motion pictures officer, is buzzing about Air Bud’s return. She’s stoked about the ideal nostalgia-unleashed blend for millennial parents yearning for heartwarming flicks to cozy up with their little ones. In her words, "With the comeback of Air Bud, the timeless tale that’s stayed a fan-favorite since Robert brought Buddy to life 28 years ago, we're delivering a delightful dish that multi-generational fans will gobble up. This is THE perfect kick-start to our venture into the kiddos and family genre."

You might be thinking, is it just another sequel or remake? The director, Vince, assures us it's not. "With 'Air Bud Returns,' we're threading a unique narrative. It's not just a basketball-playing dog arcade. It's a touching tale about a boy and his dog navigating through adaptation, redemption, and teamwork. The movie's bound to rekindle the flame for old school Air Bud devotees and enchant a fresh wave of fans."

The film synopsis confirms the emotional contagion. It reveals, "In 'Air Bud Returns,' young Jacob, shaken after his father's demise, finds hope in an unexpected friend - a stray Golden Retriever he names Buddy. With the original 'Air Bud' movie serving as their inspiration, together they embark on a mission to heal, assemble a team of underdogs, and chase victory. On the way, they learn some knockout life lessons – rooting for one another, playing the game of life with heart, and never missing a chance to shoot your best shot!"

Get this – "Air Bud Returns" marks Cineverse’s debut in the kids and family category. And, keeping up with tradition, cameras will start rolling at the original location, Fort Langley, British Columbia, this summer. While we eagerly wait for our favorite furry friend's comeback, find the teaser poster below.