Watch: ‘Search For The Next Air Bud’ Video – Looking for a New Dog

Watch: ‘Search For The Next Air Bud’ Video – Looking for a New Dog

by Alex Billington
August 8, 2025
Source: YouTube

He’s back! Air Bud returns! Is your dog the next Air Bud superstar? Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment have announced the launch of a nationwide talent search to discover the next golden retriever to carry the 25-year legacy forward—embodying the charm, athleticism, and heart of the Air Bud character. They’re already developing a modern legacy sequel called Air Bud Returns set to hit theaters in 2026. The original sports comedy classic Air Bud was released in 1997 (directed by Charles Martin Smith; released by Disney) and became such a massive hit that they turned it into a franchise resulting in a grand total of 14 movies (so far). Only the first 3 were released in theaters, the rest are direct-to-video or direct-to-streaming (including Santa Paws recently). The OG Air Bud doggo was a pooch named Buddy who passed away in 1998. He was actually found as a stray in the Sierra Nevada in 1989. His human put olive oil in the basketball to make it more slippery, and he ended up appearing on “America’s Funniest Home Videos” & Letterman before being cast in the first Air Bud movie. The rest is history. All these years later, they’re looking for a brand modern dog to star in this next (15th!) Air Bud movie. There’s a fun video for the search to watch below. “Ain’t no rules.”

Thanks to Twitter & 42 West PR for the tip on this launch. Their full intro: “Be Part of the Air Bud Legacy. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years… When you get the chance—take the shot. This is your golden opportunity to have your dog audition to be part of Air Bud Returns, the next chapter in the beloved franchise. But while there may be no rules that say a dog can’t play basketball… There are a few guidelines to join the Air Bud Dream Team.” 🐶 In the video, they say that they’re looking for a pure bred Golden Retriever dog who has basketball skills (just like the OG Air Bud). Here’s the legacy sequel synopsis for the next movie: “In Air Bud Returns, 12-year-old Jacob has always dreamt of being a star basketball player. After the passing of his father, that dream felt even more impossible. But everything changes when he and his mom move into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield. There, Jacob discovers an original VHS of the Air Bud movie in his father’s belongings and has a chance meeting with a neglected [pooch] he names Buddy. Together, they embark on a journey of healing, unite a team of misfits, and chase a championship.” Aiming for a release summer 2026 if they find a good boy. For more info on casting, visit the official site.

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