Nationwide Search for Next Air Bud Golden Retriever Star Begins

In a move sure to excite longtime fans and dog lovers alike, the producers behind the beloved Air Bud film franchise have announced a nationwide talent search to find the next golden retriever to take on the iconic role. The upcoming movie, titled Air Bud Returns, is slated to hit theaters in summer 2026, and producers are looking for a purebred golden retriever who can embody the charm, athleticism, and heart that made the original Buddy a household name.

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This latest installment in the Air Bud series marks a significant moment for the franchise, which first captured audiences’ hearts in 1997. That debut film introduced viewers to Buddy, a basketball-playing golden retriever who forms a special bond with a young boy named Josh. The concept was both whimsical and heartwarming, and it sparked a series of sequels and spin-offs that expanded Buddy’s athletic talents to include football, soccer, and even volleyball. With 14 films and two Christmas-themed specials under its collar, the franchise has become a staple in family entertainment.

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Now, Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment are inviting dog owners across the United States to submit their golden retrievers for a chance to carry on Buddy’s legacy. According to a press release, the selected dog will need to demonstrate not only athletic prowess but also that special spark that made the original Air Bud unforgettable. The search is open to purebred golden retrievers, and submissions can be made through the official Air Bud website.

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In a video shared on the site, longtime producer Robert Vince, who has been involved with the franchise since its inception, introduced the initiative. “We introduced the world to an incredible golden retriever called Air Bud. He proved to the world that anything is possible,” Vince said. “Now, we’re bringing Buddy back to the big screen with an all-new movie. For the first time ever, we’re opening up the auditions for the next Air Bud.”

Mark Forbes, the film’s lead animal trainer, also appeared in the video to detail what the team is seeking in their new canine star. “We need a dog who is a purebred golden retriever, who’s athletic and, ideally, he would love basketball, just like the original Air Bud,” Forbes explained. This detail struck me as particularly fitting, given the franchise’s roots in portraying dogs not just as pets, but as true teammates and companions.

Beyond the opportunity to star in a major motion picture, participants in the talent search will be eligible for a range of prizes. These include Air Bud jerseys, signed movie merchandise, and even a trip to the film’s Los Angeles premiere. Fans can follow the progress of the search and learn more about the submission process on the official website, making it easy for the public to stay engaged with the journey toward finding the next Buddy.

The story of Air Bud Returns centers on a 12-year-old boy named Jacob, who dreams of becoming a basketball star. After the death of his father, that dream begins to feel out of reach. However, a move to his father’s childhood home in Fernfield sets the stage for a transformative journey. There, Jacob discovers an old VHS tape of the original Air Bud movie among his father’s belongings. A chance encounter with a neglected golden retriever—whom he names Buddy—sparks a new chapter in both of their lives. The two team up to heal, unite a group of misfit players, and pursue a championship run.

The plot echoes the themes that have defined the Air Bud franchise from the beginning: resilience, friendship, and the power of second chances. By weaving in elements of nostalgia while introducing a new generation of characters, Air Bud Returns aims to bridge the gap between longtime fans and new audiences. The inclusion of a VHS tape as a narrative device is a poignant nod to the franchise’s origins in the late 1990s, a time when physical media was still the norm and family movie nights often revolved around well-worn tapes.

Golden retrievers have long been celebrated for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature—all qualities that made the original Buddy such a compelling character. This talent search not only continues that tradition but also opens the door for everyday pet owners to see their furry companions shine on the big screen. It’s a rare opportunity that blends Hollywood magic with the everyday joys of dog ownership.

As the search unfolds, it will be interesting to see which golden retriever captures the hearts of the producers and, eventually, moviegoers. Whether the next Buddy is discovered in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, one thing is clear: the legacy of Air Bud is alive and well, and it’s ready for a new chapter.