Buddy is coming back to the screens once again. Air Bud Returns, the 15th film in the franchise, will be released in theatres next year. The upcoming comedy drama is written and helmed Robert Vince, who backed all the original films, which included spinoffs like Santa Paws and penned and helmed ten of them.
The first 1997 film directed by Charles Martin Smith, stars Kevin Zegers as a young boy who befriends a runaway Golden Retriever (portrayed by Buddy) with a unique ability to play basketball. It became a sleeper hit upon release.
Air Bud: Golden Receiver, a direct sequel, was released in 1998. It also gave rise to a movie franchise that includes the spin-off series Air Buddies.
“With the return of an iconic franchise that has remained popular since Robert created the OG Air Bud more than 28 years ago, we are offering a real treat that will resonate with fans across generations. This is the ideal first project for us as we expand our theatrical strategy to the kids and family category,” said Cineverse chief motion pictures officer Yolanda Macias.
According to the makers, Air Bud Returns revolves around 12-year-old Jacob who 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 of a stray golden retriever he names Buddy. Together they embark on a journey of healing, unite a team of misfits, and chase a championship. Through it all they learn to play from the heart, believe in each other, and always take the shot!”
The first kids and family film from Cineverse, Air Bud Returns is set to go on floors soon in Fort Langley, British Columbia, where, interestingly, the original movie was also filmed.