Air Bud Returns movie expands its cast with brand new signings

The golden retriever with game is back as nearly three decades after the original film charmed audiences, we are finally getting Air Bud Returns. Robert Vince, who wrote and directed the fourth and fifth movies, is reviving the franchise with the latest addition to the franchise: a sports drama that promises to blend nostalgia, heart and a fresh emotional core.

With development under progress, the film has released it's fresh cast, the newest additions of which include Aydin Artis, Traci Ifeachor, Edwin Lee Gibson, Erik Gow and Maxim Swinton.

In a statement, Robert Vince said,

“We couldn’t be more excited to officially roll cameras on Air Bud Returns with this incredible cast. The passion we saw during the nationwide search for the next Buddy was a reminder of how deeply this franchise resonates with families. With such a talented ensemble alongside our canine stars, this film carries forward the heart and magic that made the original so beloved around the world.”

Air Bud Returns also has their golden retriever hero already, as Roscoe is joining the cast, who will be trained by expert trainer Mark Forbes. Following a massive nationwide contest for titles The Search for the Next Air Bud, Charlie from Ohio and Summer from San Diego will double for Roscoe for all the basketball and stunt scenes. Filming is currently underway in Fort Langley, British Columbia, standing in for the franchise’s familiar Fernfield.

More details about Air Bud Returns

At the center of Air Bud Returns is 12-year-old Jacob, played by Aydin Artis, a young basketball hopeful still grieving his father’s death. When he and his mother, played by Tracy Ifeachor, move into his late dad’s childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob uncovers an old VHS of his father playing ball with none other than the original hoop-shooting golden retriever. That discovery sparks an unlikely friendship with a stray dog he names Buddy, setting off a journey of healing, teamwork, and second chances.

Born from one golden retriever’s love for basketball, Air Bud grew into one of Disney’s most beloved family sagas. The story began in 1997 with Air Bud, starring the real-life athletic dog Buddy, followed by 1998’s football-themed Air Bud: Golden Receiver, the last to hit theaters before the franchise moved straight to video. In 2006, Air Buddies took over, shifting focus to Buddy’s talking puppies and launching a 14-film empire: five Air Bud movies, seven Air Buddies adventures, and two Christmas spin-offs. By 2014, the franchise had fetched over $220 million, second only to Disney Fairies at $300 million.

With a record like that, the film has much brilliance to live up to and quite a few canine heroes who have set the standard for the howl of fame. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, production is currently underway for Air Bud Returns.