First poster for the return of beloved Buddy in Air Bud Returns revealed

Air Bud Returns, the latest chapter in the beloved franchise, hits theaters next summer. It has been revealed by Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment (ABE). The poster stars Buddy, the iconic basketball-playing golden retriever fans have loved for decades.

Written and directed by Robert Vince—who has helmed several films from this much-loved series, such as Air Bud: World Pup (2000), Air Bud: Spikes Back (2003), and Air Buddies (2006)—comes the 15th installment in the franchise.

Robert Vince is also the founder of ABE. He has been a crucial voice behind all its projects as a producer. Whether originals or spin-offs, he was behind every installment of the franchise.

Let’s take a look at what the new Air Bud Returns poster reveals.

A brand-new poster for Air Bud Returns arrives, featuring the beloved Buddy

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A new poster for the forthcoming Air Bud Returns looks exciting and shows what fans can expect from the new movie. It also comes with a tagline:

"Ain't no rules."

The poster shows a golden retriever holding a basketball under its paw. He is the center of attention as lights from every direction shine on him. His fur glows under the spotlight, giving him a heroic presence.

That may not be a surprise for people who grew up watching these movies. The franchise came out with its first chapter, Air Bud, in 1997. It was released in theaters, as was the sequel the following year. However, since then, every other chapter has been released only in direct-to-video form.

Hence, Air Bud Returns marks the franchise’s return to the big screen. In a statement, Yolanda Macias from Cineverse said:

"Anyone who follows the box office knows that we are experiencing an important moment at the intersection of ’90s and early 2000s nostalgia and millennial parents looking for family-friendly movies to share with their kids. 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."

What is Air Bud Returns about?

Per Variety’s report, the plot of this sports comedy-drama is described as follows:

“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 of a stray golden retriever he names Buddy."

It further reads:

”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!”

Addressing his film, Robert Vince shared a statement:

"It builds upon the legacy of the OG ‘Air Bud’ with all the fun, the magic, heartwarming scenes, and Buddy playing basketball. More than anything, it’s a deeply human story about a dog and boy, centered on themes of adaptation, redemption, and teamwork.”

The film promises a nostalgic blend of family-friendly fun for longtime fans and a new generation.