Cineverse Launching ‘Air Bud Returns’ Theatrical Release Aug. 21
February 3, 2026
Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment Feb. 3 announced that Air Bud Returns will be released theatrically nationwide on Aug. 21. The announcement of a new movie revolving around the basketball-playing Golden Retriever, Buddy, coincides with National Golden Retriever Day.
Air Bud Returns is not a sequel. It’s a theatrical relaunch of the 1997 original that became a benchmark of sorts for family movies with $23.1 million in global revenue, or $46.7 million when adjusted for inflation.
The film stars Tracy Ifeachor (“The Pitt”) as Jasmine, Edwin Lee Gibson (“The Bear”) as Jack, Tyler Labine (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil) as Walter, and Aydin Artis as Jacob. It is written and directed by franchise creator Robert Vince and produced by Anna McRoberts.
In Air Bud Returns, 13-year-old Jacob dreams of becoming a basketball star like his dad. After his father’s passing, that dream feels further away than ever. When Jacob and his mother move into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob discovers an old VHS tape marked “Air Bud.”
He discovers his father played on the Timberwolves team alongside the legendary, basketball-playing golden retriever, Buddy. When Jacob meets a stray golden retriever, he later names Buddy, they form a bond that leads them on a journey to unite a team of misfits, qualify for the Christmas tournament, and chase a championship.
“The team, including our canine and human cast, have worked incredibly hard to bring Robert’s vision to life, and I can think of no better way to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day,” Yolanda Macias, chief motion picture officer at Cineverse, said in a statement.
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