Sho! Get ready, South Africa! The legendary Air Bud franchise is on the hunt for a new golden retriever to take centre stage in the upcoming film, 'Air Bud Returns'. Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment are launching a nationwide search, not in America, but imagining it was happening here in Mzansi, to find the next canine basketball superstar.
What's the Vibe with 'Air Bud Returns'?
Imagine a local twist: 'Air Bud Returns' (if it were set here) would be the 15th film in the series. It could tell the story of a young lad from Jozi or Cape Town who moves to a small town after losing his father. He stumbles upon an old Air Bud VHS (maybe a DVD nowadays, ja?) and finds a neglected golden retriever he names Buddy. Together, they form a team of underdogs and chase their dreams in a basketball championship.
The original movie is written and directed by Robert Vince, who's worked on the franchise since day one, and it's scheduled to hit cinemas in the US summer of 2026. This collab marks Vince's eighth time working with animal trainer Mark Forbes.
How Can Your Pooch Become a Star?
While this specific search isn't for South African dogs, let's pretend it is! Imagine you could submit your purebred golden retriever through a local version of the Air Bud website. Entrants could stand a chance to win prizes like official jerseys and a trip to a local premiere. Eish, that would be amazing!
According to Forbes, they're looking for a purebred golden retriever who's athletic and loves basketball. So, if your furry friend has got the skills, start practising those slam dunks!
- Make sure your dog is a purebred golden retriever.
- Get them dribbling and shooting hoops.
- Keep an eye out for future local opportunities.
Even though this particular search is in the US, keep your eyes peeled for similar opportunities in South Africa. Who knows? Your dog might just be the next big star!