‘Air Bud Returns’ to hit theaters in 2026 with a meta plot

Everyone’s favorite dunking dog is returning to the silver screen in 2026 — nearly three decades after the last theatrical Air Bud release.

Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment announced the new movie Air Bud Returns, which will mark the 15th in the Air Bud franchise. However, the last of the family films to play in theaters was Air Bud: Golden Receiver in 1998.

Air Bud Returns was written and directed by Robert Vince, who produced all of the Air Bud movies. He said that the new film was not “another sequel or remake.”

The new movie centers around a 12-year-old boy named Jacob, who moves into his father’s childhood home in Ferndale after he passes away. He discovers an old VHS tape of Air Bud and encounters a stray golden retriever, which he names Buddy. The two bond, join a basketball team, and chase their championship dreams.

The original Air Bud followed teen Josh (Kevin Zegers), who moves to Ferndale after his father dies. He copes with the loss by honing his basketball skills with a runaway dog named Buddy who has an unusual talent for the sport. The quirky sports film has since become a classic among ’90s babies.

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Cineverse chief motion pictures officer Yolanda Macias said in the announcement that the new film fits into the current interest in late ’90s and early aughts nostalgia.

“With the return of an iconic franchise that has remained popular since Robert created the OG Air Bud more than 28 years ago, we are offering a real treat that will resonate with fans across generations,” Macias said.

Air Bud Returns will begin filming this summer. It is expected to be released in summer 2026.