“Air Bud Returns ”Trailer: The Beloved Golden Retriever Is Back on the Basketball Court (Exclusive)

Rachel RaposasMon, July 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM UTC

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Air Bud ReturnsCredit: Cineverse -

Beloved dog Buddy is back on the basketball court in the first trailer for Air Bud Returns

The sequel features Buddy and his friend Jacob as they “chase basketball dreams, rally a team of underdogs, and discover what it means to play with heart”

Two golden retrievers, Charlie and Summer, were cast as Buddy after a nationwide talent search last year

Air Bud is making his way back to the basketball court.

The star of the wholesome sports-comedy franchise Air Bud is back in a new action-packed installment, full of friendship, competition and tons of mind-blowing baskets. Nearly 30 years after Air Bud’s tale began, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the trailer for Air Bud Returns, out in theaters in January 2027.

The trailer begins with an epic introduction to basketball’s favorite golden retriever. “The player that defined a generation and became the original underdog is returning to the spotlight,” the trailer says, over clips of Buddy out-maneuvering everyone on the court to score.

After he’s seen shooting baskets with 12-year-old Jacob, Buddy’s prowess for the sport appears to land him a spot on Jacob’s team. Despite some protests about a dog contributing to the game, Buddy — clad in a bright blue jersey and two pairs of basketball kicks — scores baffling basket after baffling basket, leaving the other team shocked.

“Ain’t no rules that says a dog can’t play basketball!” a referee says. And in his stardom, Buddy seems to help Jacob shine in his own right, too.

“A grieving 12-year-old boy finds his dad’s old VHS tape and befriends a stray golden retriever in his new town,” reads the description of the film, which comes nearly three decades after Buddy first graced screens. “Together, they chase basketball dreams, rally a team of underdogs, and discover what it means to play with heart.”

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The trailer comes nearly a year after the Air Bud Returns producers launched a nationwide talent search for a golden retriever to star as Buddy. About two months later, filmmakers announced that not one but two dogs, named Charlie and Summer, would take on the film’s titular role.

“We weren’t just looking for well-trained dogs — we were looking for that special spark,” said director and writer Robert Vince in a YouTube video at the time. “Charlie and Summer had the presence, the personality, and yes, the basketball skills to make audiences believe in Buddy all over again. They carry the magic that made the original so unforgettable.”

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“We couldn’t just choose one,” Vince added. “Your golden retriever will carry on the legacy of the original Air Bud. Congratulations!”

Air Bud Returns debuts in theaters on Jan. 22, 2027.

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”