Air Bud returns to the floors: trailer for the new film

Nearly thirty years after his first baskets, the golden retriever puts on his sneakers again in Air Bud Returns.

The golden retriever who plays basketball and scores baskets with his nose is back on the court!

Air Bud Returns has just revealed its first trailer, marking the big return of the cult franchise launched in 1997 with Air Bud.

This new adventure follows Jacob, a 14-year-old teenager who, after the death of his father, moves with his mother into the house where he grew up, in Fernfield. Passionate about basketball, the young boy dreams of becoming a champion, but his hopes seem very slim… until the day he discovers an old VHS tape entitled Air Bud. Shortly after, Jacob has an unlikely encounter: Buddy, the famous golden retriever capable of playing basketball like a professional. Together, they will form a team of underdogs and try to win a title with the new Timberwolves.

The trailer plays the nostalgia card to the fullest. There we find Buddy, wearing his famous sneakers, making baskets before the stunned eyes of the spectators. When a referee questions the legality of his presence on the field, he recalls the line that has become cult from the saga: “There is no rule that prohibits a dog from playing basketball!“

The film is carried by the dogs Charlie and Summer, who share the role of Buddy. Joining them are Aydin Artis, Tracy Ifeachor, Edwin Lee Gibson, Tyler Labine, Erik Gow and Maxim Swinton.

Directing, we find Robert Vince, veteran of the franchise, who notably signed several spin-off adventures such as Air Buddies And Space Buddies.

Notable fact, Air Bud Returns will benefit from a theatrical release, a rarity for the saga, the majority of whose films were intended directly for video. This will only be the third feature film in the franchise to see a real theatrical release.

Air Bud Returns will be released on January 22, 2027 in American theaters. No French release date has yet been announced.