"Golden Retriever Cast as New 'Air Bud' Star: Meet Summer"
A 5-year-old golden retriever from San Diego, California, has been cast as the main canine star in the upcoming 2026 reboot of the beloved family film franchise "Air Bud." The talented pup, named Summer, is set to take on a starring role alongside five other dogs, playing the lead character's loyal companion in a story about teamwork and perseverance.
Summer, whose owners, Kathryn Gard and Tim Bautista, discovered her incredible talent for volleyball at local dog beaches, will be joining an all-star cast of canine athletes in Vancouver, Canada, where principal photography is underway. The film, titled "Air Bud Returns," follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy who forms an unlikely friendship with Summer's father, a retired basketball player.
Summer's impressive skills were first showcased on local beaches, where she effortlessly handled volleyballs and charmed beachgoers with her playful demeanor. Her talent eventually caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to her selection for the lead role in "Air Bud Returns."
"I would say this was a surprise," Gard said about Summer's casting. "It's been a whirlwind for sure." Bautista added that their initial introduction to volleyball was simply a way to spend quality time together at home during the pandemic lockdown, but it quickly became clear that Summer had a gift.
As the filming process continues in Vancouver, Summer will be trained with Charlie, another golden retriever from Ohio, who excels in mid-range shots. The two dogs have formed an instant bond and are being touted as an acting duo perfect for the Cinderella-style story.
When not on set, Summer loves to sleep and enjoys her downtime playing with her co-stars. As filming comes to a close before Thanksgiving, Gard and Bautista plan to host a watch party for their puppy friends and may even organize dog autograph sessions with paw prints.
The family is hopeful that this role won't be the end of Summer's entertainment career, with potential sequels or appearances in local San Diego sports events on the horizon.
A 5-year-old golden retriever from San Diego, California, has been cast as the main canine star in the upcoming 2026 reboot of the beloved family film franchise "Air Bud." The talented pup, named Summer, is set to take on a starring role alongside five other dogs, playing the lead character's loyal companion in a story about teamwork and perseverance.
Summer, whose owners, Kathryn Gard and Tim Bautista, discovered her incredible talent for volleyball at local dog beaches, will be joining an all-star cast of canine athletes in Vancouver, Canada, where principal photography is underway. The film, titled "Air Bud Returns," follows the journey of a 12-year-old boy who forms an unlikely friendship with Summer's father, a retired basketball player.
Summer's impressive skills were first showcased on local beaches, where she effortlessly handled volleyballs and charmed beachgoers with her playful demeanor. Her talent eventually caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to her selection for the lead role in "Air Bud Returns."
"I would say this was a surprise," Gard said about Summer's casting. "It's been a whirlwind for sure." Bautista added that their initial introduction to volleyball was simply a way to spend quality time together at home during the pandemic lockdown, but it quickly became clear that Summer had a gift.
As the filming process continues in Vancouver, Summer will be trained with Charlie, another golden retriever from Ohio, who excels in mid-range shots. The two dogs have formed an instant bond and are being touted as an acting duo perfect for the Cinderella-style story.
When not on set, Summer loves to sleep and enjoys her downtime playing with her co-stars. As filming comes to a close before Thanksgiving, Gard and Bautista plan to host a watch party for their puppy friends and may even organize dog autograph sessions with paw prints.
The family is hopeful that this role won't be the end of Summer's entertainment career, with potential sequels or appearances in local San Diego sports events on the horizon.