(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)

The Brief

"Air Bud Returns," the 15th film in the franchise, is set for theatrical release in summer 2026.

Filmmakers have been holding an open casting call for golden retrievers to star as the next Air Bud.

Thousands of entries have been narrowed to 30 contenders, showcased on Instagram.

One of America’s most famous golden retrievers is headed back to the basketball court.

Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment announced that "Air Bud Returns" will hit theaters in summer 2026, the first movie in the franchise to get a big-screen release since 1998. The family film is written and directed by Robert Vince, who created the original "Air Bud" in 1997.

Golden retrievers audition to be the next Air Bud

For the first time in franchise history, filmmake

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