Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment Announce the Theatrical Return of a Family Icon -- Air Bud Returns
Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment Announce the Theatrical Return of a Family Icon -- Air Bud Returns |
| [03-February-2026] |
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) and Air Bud Entertainment (ABE) announced that Air Bud Returns will be released theatrically nationwide on August 21, 2026. The announcement coincides with National Golden Retriever Day, an appropriately timed moment to welcome back the world-renowned, basketball-playing Golden Retriever, Buddy.
Air Bud Returns is not a sequel; it's a theatrical relaunch of the multigenerational, global franchise that became the gold standard for family movies with nostalgia, heart, humor, and action. The film stars Tracy Ifeachor (The Pitt, The Originals, Doctor Who: The End of Time, Wonka) as Jasmine, Edwin Lee Gibson (The Bear) as Jack, Tyler Labine (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, New Amsterdam) as Walter, and Aydin Artis as Jacob. It is written and directed by franchise creator Robert Vince and produced by Anna McRoberts. The story returns to Fernfield, "where anything is possible," the original hometown where Buddy's legend began. "Air Bud has, for nearly three decades, stood for heartwarming family values, reminding us to 'play from the heart' and 'when given the opportunity, to always take the shot,'" said Vince. "Air Bud Returns honors that legacy while introducing the next generation to Buddy on the big screen. And yes, there still… 'Ain't no rule says a dog can't play basketball.'" Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias added, "Watching Air Bud Returns come together has been a memorable experience, and we can't wait for families to enjoy watching Buddy on the big screen again for the first time. The team, including our canine and human cast, have worked incredibly hard to bring Robert's vision to life, and I can think of no better way to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day — yes, it's a thing! — than announcing its release date." In Air Bud Returns, 13-year-old Jacob dreams of becoming a basketball star like his dad. After his father's passing, that dream feels further away than ever. When Jacob and his mother move into his dad's childhood home in Fernfield, Jacob discovers an old VHS tape marked "Air Bud." He discovers his father played on the Timberwolves team alongside the legendary, basketball-playing golden retriever, Buddy. When Jacob meets a stray golden retriever, he later names Buddy, they form a bond that leads them on a journey to unite a team of misfits, qualify for the Christmas tournament, and chase a championship. They rediscover that belief in his family legacy, learn to play from the heart, and always take the shot. About Cineverse Motion Pictures Group About Cineverse About Air Bud Entertainment Contacts For Cineverse For Air Bud Entertainment – High Roads PR
SOURCE Cineverse Corp. | ||
Company Codes: NASDAQ-NMS:CNVS |
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