Entertainment
Air Bud Returns: The Legendary Golden Retriever Is Back on the Court in 2026
Buddy is back! The beloved basketball-playing golden retriever returns in “Air Bud Returns,” a heartwarming new film hitting theaters in summer 2026.
Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
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Buddy’s comeback promises heart, hoops, and a fresh story for a new generation
In a surprising and heartwarming twist on the nostalgia wave sweeping Hollywood, Air Bud is making a major comeback. Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS), in partnership with Air Bud Entertainment (ABE), has announced Air Bud Returns, a brand-new theatrical installment of the beloved franchise, set to hit theaters nationwide in summer 2026.
A Slam Dunk for Nostalgic Families
Originally released in 1997, Air Bud introduced the world to Buddy, the basketball-playing golden retriever who proved there really “ain’t no rule that says a dog can’t play basketball.” Over the years, the franchise has expanded with 14 films, multiple spin-offs like Air Buddies and Santa Paws, and a global fanbase spanning over a billion viewers in 30+ languages.
Now, almost three decades later, Air Bud Returns is poised to capture hearts all over again—with a story rooted in loss, healing, and classic teamwork, all told through the lens of a new generation.
The Plot: A Boy, A Dog, A Dream
The film centers on 12-year-old Jacob, a young boy grieving the loss of his father. After relocating with his mom to his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield (yes, the original setting!), Jacob stumbles upon a VHS copy of Air Bud among his father’s old things. Soon after, a serendipitous meeting with a stray golden retriever—whom he names Buddy—sparks a heartwarming journey of friendship and redemption.
Together, Jacob and Buddy rally a team of underdogs, chase a basketball championship, and prove that playing from the heart is the true secret to success. According to director and ABE founder Robert Vince, the film “builds upon the legacy of the OG Air Bud” with all the humor, magic, and emotional storytelling fans have come to love.
From Disney Days to a New Theatrical Era
Robert Vince, the mind behind every Air Bud franchise entry, returns as both writer and director. Vince originally launched Air Bud as an indie production before Disney acquired its U.S. distribution rights. Now, Air Bud Returnsmarks the 50th movie produced by Vince and will be the first kids & family theatrical feature released by Cineverse under its newly launched Motion Pictures Group.
Yolanda Macias, Cineverse’s Chief Motion Pictures Officer, sees Air Bud Returns as the perfect gateway for millennial parents seeking wholesome films to share with their children:
“With the return of an iconic franchise that has remained popular since Robert created the OG Air Bud more than 28 years ago, we are offering a real treat that will resonate with fans across generations.”
Production and What’s Next
Filming kicks off this summer in Fort Langley, British Columbia—known to fans as Fernfield. This location has served as the heart of the franchise since the original film and remains a key visual touchstone.
With a massive built-in audience and a nostalgic brand that’s never truly faded from public memory, Air Bud Returnscould be a major theatrical hit. It also continues Cineverse’s strategy of reviving legacy IP and delivering it to passionate fan communities with modern storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Whether you grew up watching Buddy dunk basketballs or you’re introducing your own kids to him for the first time, Air Bud Returns looks to bring the same joy, heart, and golden retriever magic to theaters in 2026. It’s more than just a sequel—it’s a generational reunion.
Buddy is back. And this time, he’s playing for legacy.
Related Info:
🐾 Air Bud Returns expected in U.S. theaters: Summer 2026
🎬 Directed by: Robert Vince
📍Filming Location: Fort Langley, BC (Fernfield)
🎥 Distributed by: Cineverse Motion Pictures Group
🌐 More info: home.cineverse.com
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils Record-Setting ‘Thrill Glider’ Coaster for 2027
Six Flags Magic Mountain is taking flight in 2027 with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind coaster combining flying, motorbike and suspended ride technology with multiple launches, five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph.
Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to add another major attraction to its coaster lineup with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027.
The Southern California theme park announced Sept. 10 that the new attraction will combine elements of flying, motorbike and suspended roller coasters to create what the park is calling an entirely new category: the “Thrillglider.”
Developed by coaster manufacturer Vekoma, Thrill Glider will place riders aboard specially designed “hovercycles.” Instead of sitting upright, riders will be positioned face-forward and prone beneath the track, creating the sensation of flying through the terrain.
The approximately 80-second ride will feature multiple launches reaching speeds of 50 mph, along with 12 airtime moments, five inversions and 20 track elements spread across nearly 3.5 acres. Onboard audio and lighting effects will add to the experience.
A Record-Setting New Coaster
According to Six Flags, Thrill Glider will stretch 3,380 feet — more than half a mile — and reach a maximum height of 107 feet. The company says the attraction will establish several records within the newly created Thrillglider category, including world’s longest, fastest and tallest Thrillglider.
The ride will also feature an elaborate science-fiction storyline centered on the fictional QuantumPulse Propulsion Systems and its discovery of an energy source called PSR B417. Guests will encounter futuristic displays, holographic presentations and other themed elements before boarding their hovercycles.
“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” park president Brian Oerding said in the announcement.
Where Will Thrill Glider Be Located?
Thrill Glider will occupy the former Golden Bear Theatre site, positioned between Full Throttle and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and next to the recently reimagined Looney Tunes Land.
Construction is already underway, with Six Flags planning to open the attraction sometime in 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The minimum rider height will be 48 inches.
The addition continues Magic Mountain’s long-running emphasis on ambitious roller coasters and introduces a substantially different ride experience: part flying coaster, part launched coaster and part futuristic motorcycle adventure.
Source/ Related Links
Six Flags Magic Mountain — Official Site
Source: Six Flags Magic Mountain press release, Sept. 10, 2026.
More Thrills, More Entertainment 🎢
Love roller coasters, theme parks and the latest attractions? STM Daily News Entertainment keeps you connected to amusement and theme park news, new rides, park updates and entertainment destinations. Explore our Entertainment section and discover what’s coming next!
Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
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Entertainment
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record
Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.
The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.
Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.
What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.
Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026
Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html
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