(WHTM) — Is the next canine basketball star sitting in your home right now?
Robert Vince, the mastermind behind the “Air Bud” franchise, recently revealed that he and his team are on the lookout for the canine star of the series’ upcoming 15th movie, “Air Bud Returns.”
“We first brought the extraordinary retriever Air Bud into the spotlight,” Vince stated. “Now, for the first time ever, we’re opening auditions for the role of the next Air Bud.”
“Returns” will be the latest addition to a long-standing franchise that kicked off with 1997’s “Air Bud.” This Disney-released film told the story of a young boy named Josh and his unlikely bond with a stray golden retriever who becomes a basketball sensation at Josh’s school.
- Your dog could be the next ‘Air Bud.’ Here’s how to apply
The original film was succeeded by a theatrical sequel, “Air Bud: Golden Receiver.” However, due to a lackluster performance at the box office, all subsequent sequels were released directly to video. In spite of this, “Air Bud” (1997) has remained a cherished family movie, with its direct-to-video sequels continuing to enjoy popularity. Up until at least the 12th installment, the franchise has grossed at least $220 million, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Think your golden has what it takes to follow in these famed paw-steps?
How to apply
There are no rules that a dog can’t play basketball, but there are some rules applicants should know before applying.
Dogs must be purebred golden retrievers, athletic and ideally, should love basketball.
Those wishing to audition should submit a 60-90 second video demonstrating their dog’s ability to follow basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” The video should also include the dog’s age and highlight any special skills or basketball tricks.
Applications are open now. Find more information about “Air Bud Returns” auditions here.
What is “Air Bud Returns” about?
The sequel with a meta twist will center on a 12-year-old aspiring to be a basketball star. After the passing of his father, he finds an original VHS copy of the “Air Bud” movie in his childhood home, as announced on July 24 by Cineverse.
As in the original “Air Bud,” however, a chance encounter with a golden retriever named Buddy “kicks off a chase for a championship, and a journey of healing that unites a team of misfits,” Cineverse said.
“Air Bud Returns” is currently slated to be released theatrically next summer. It’ll be the first film in the series to hit the big screen since 1998.
