Air Bud Returns Trailer Proves There's Still No Rule Against Dogs
Ain't no rule that says a dog can't have a legacy sequel.
Buddy is back on the court, and the rules still haven't changed. A new trailer for Air Bud Returns arrived on November 6, giving fans a longer look at the legacy sequel ahead of its theatrical release on January 22, 2027.
Cineverse is distributing the movie, which marks the first time the franchise has appeared on the big screen in nearly thirty years, after a long run of direct-to-video sequels and spinoffs (AV Club).
What is Air Bud Returns about?
The story follows Jacob, a 14-year-old who moves with his mom into his dad's childhood home in the small town of Fernfield. Jacob dreams of playing basketball, but he believes his disability puts that dream out of reach.
Then he finds an old VHS tape labeled "Air Bud" and meets Buddy, a golden retriever with a serious jump shot. Together, they turn a team of misfits into the new Timberwolves and chase a championship (Yahoo Entertainment).
Who is in the Air Bud Returns cast?
Aydin Artis plays Jacob, and the cast also includes Tracy Ifeachor, Edwin Lee Gibson, Tyler Labine, Erik Gow and Maxim Swinton. Buddy is played by two golden retrievers named Charlie and Summer, which seems fair, since nobody should have to carry an entire basketball team alone.
Robert Vince is directing. He has spent years with this franchise, including the Air Buddies movies, and he says the new film will "engage nostalgic Air Bud fans while introducing a new generation."
Does the trailer bring back the famous line?
Of course it does. The marketing calls Buddy "the original underdog," and a referee gets to deliver the most important rule in sports history, "Ain't no rules that say a dog can't play basketball!" The VHS tape is a nice touch too, since a lot of fans first watched the 1997 original that way.
When does Air Bud Returns come out?
Air Bud Returns opens in theaters on January 22, 2027. Earlier this year, Cineverse originally planned a late summer release, but the date moved into January when the first teaser arrived in July.
Is Air Bud Returns worth getting excited about?
My read is yes, as long as you know what you're signing up for. This is a sweet sports movie for families, and the trailer leans into the heart of the original without trying to be anything else. A small January release could also do well with families looking for something simple to watch together. (Our only demand is one slow-motion dunk with a dramatic sports announcer.)
Did you grow up watching Air Bud? Tell us in the comments.
