SDCC 2026: ‘Air Bud Returns’ Brings the Original Underdog Back to the Big Screen

The stars were out at San Diego Comic-Con, but no one stole the spotlight quite like Buddy. Joining writer-director Robert Vince on stage, the beloved golden retriever delighted fans with plenty of tail wags as the pair celebrated the Air Bud franchise and looked ahead to its next chapter, Air Bud Returns. Nearly 30 years after the original film first won over audiences, Air Bud Returns brings the original underdog back to the big screen.

Opening exclusively in theaters on January 22, 2027, Air Bud Returns follows a grieving twele-year-old boy who discovers his father’s old VHS tapes before befriending a stray golden retriever in the original town of Fernfield. Together, the unlikely duo chase their basketball dreams, returning the beloved franchise to the court where it all began.

One of the panel’s biggest laughs came when Vince joked that Buddy wanted him to make one thing very clear: he does all of his own stunts. Comparing his four-legged star to Tom Cruise, Vince explained that Air Bud Returns stays true to the practical filmmaking that made the original so memorable, relying on real canine athleticism rather than CGI or AI. Buddy is portrayed by Charlie and Summer, who were chosen from thousands of dogs across the country, with Summer proudly hailing from nearby San Diego. As Vince praised his leading star, Buddy happily wagged his tail, earning another round of applause from the Comic-Con crowd.

Looking back on a franchise that now spans fifteen films, Vince reflected on why Air Bud has stood the test of time. At its core, he said, the series has always embraced the idea of possibility, encouraging audiences to take their shot while celebrating the special bond between humans and their dogs. With Air Bud Returns, that spirit continues through the same blend of heart, humor, athleticism, and practical filmmaking that made the original such a lasting favorite as Buddy marks his return to cinemas.

Air Bud Returns opens exclusively in theaters on January 22, 2027.

Check out the first teaser for Air Bud Returns below.