Brace yourselves! The legend continues, the saga unfolds. Prepare for another chapter of furry fun. That’s right, folks, get ready for a brand-new Air Bud movie, slated for release in 2026. This upcoming film will mark the 15th installment in the celebrated series. And there’s absolutely no stopping this tidal wave of canine cinema!
As reported by Variety on July 24th, Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment have officially announced that Air Bud Returns is in development. This latest cinematic adventure will continue the legacy of the family-favorite franchise that first bounced onto screens back in 1997 with the original Air Bud. Initially an independent project, the debut film was acquired by Disney and achieved tremendous success, leading to an astonishing 14 sequels and spin-offs. Yes, you read that right – fourteen follow-ups to a movie centered around a basketball-playing canine! Surprisingly, many of them venture far beyond the basketball court.
Robert Vince will be at the helm of Air Bud Returns, serving as both writer and director. Vince has been a key figure in the franchise, having produced the original Air Bud in the ’90s, and subsequently producing all fourteen sequels, while also taking on writing and directing duties for ten of them.
Per the official press release, the movie is set to begin filming this summer in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits in the heartwarming story:
In Air Bud Returns, we meet Jacob, a 12-year-old boy with dreams of basketball stardom. The passing of his father makes that dream seem even more distant. However, when Jacob and his mom relocate to his father’s childhood home in Fernfield, everything begins to change. Jacob stumbles upon an original VHS tape of the Air Bud movie among his father’s belongings, and soon after, he has a chance encounter with a stray golden retriever he affectionately names Buddy. Together, they embark on a journey of healing, bring together a team of unlikely individuals, and compete for a championship. Through it all, they learn the importance of playing from the heart, believing in one another, and always seizing the opportunity to take the shot!
“Air Bud Returns is more than just another sequel or remake; it’s a truly unique story,” stated Vince in the official press release. “This film will resonate with long-time Air Bud fans while also introducing a new generation to the magic of Buddy, the beloved basketball-playing golden retriever. It builds upon the legacy of the original Air Bud, offering all the fun, magic, heartwarming moments, and, of course, Buddy playing basketball. Above all, it’s a profoundly human story about the bond between a boy and his dog, focusing on themes of adaptation, redemption, and the power of teamwork.”
Personally, I can’t honestly say I’m overcome with excitement for a new Air Bud installment, given that previous films have been generally low-budget, direct-to-DVD productions, designed to capitalize on the nostalgia of the franchise. However, there’s always a chance that this one might surprise us. Or perhaps it won’t. Ultimately, I’m at the mercy of the cinematic gods. Air Bud Returns is slated to arrive in theaters next year.
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