Move over, Hollywood’s leading men—there’s a new sensation lighting up the silver screen, and she’s got four paws, a golden coat, and an incredible serve. Meet Summer, a five-year-old golden retriever from University City, San Diego, who’s been cast as one of the stars in the highly anticipated Air Bud reboot, titled “Air Bud Returns.” The family-friendly film is expected to debut in theaters across North America in late 2026, marking a joyful comeback for one of cinema’s most beloved canine franchises.
From San Diego Beaches to the Big Screen
Summer’s journey to fame is one that embodies the true spirit of California—vibrant, unexpected, and full of heart. Known among locals for her remarkable volleyball skills at Ocean Beach and Del Mar dog beaches, she captured the attention of fans and filmmakers alike. Her natural coordination, boundless enthusiasm, and crowd-pleasing charm made her the perfect fit for this nostalgic yet modern retelling of Air Bud, which first captured audiences’ hearts back in 1996.
The reboot tells the inspiring story of a 12-year-old boy who rediscovers his passion for basketball after uncovering his father’s old Air Bud tapes and meeting a stray golden retriever with an uncanny athletic gift. Together, the two aim for basketball glory—reminding audiences that friendship, perseverance, and a bit of teamwork can turn even the most impossible dreams into reality.
An Unexpected Journey to Stardom
Summer’s owners, Kathryn Gard and Tim Bautista, could never have imagined that their pandemic puppy would one day be a Hollywood star. During the lockdown in 2020, Bautista—an avid beach volleyball player—decided to train Summer to volley, inspired by the original Air Bud film they had just watched. What began as a fun hobby quickly evolved into something extraordinary.
“Summer just picked it up naturally,” Gard shared. “She became a regular at the beach, hitting volleys back and forth while tourists and locals stopped to record videos.”
Their lighthearted beach sessions went viral over time, eventually catching the attention of national sports media. When ESPN’s SportsCenter featured Summer in a highlight reel, her talent was no longer just a local secret—it was a nationwide sensation.
Catching Hollywood’s Eye
When filmmaker Robert Vince, the creative mind behind the original Air Bud series, announced open auditions for animal athletes for the upcoming reboot, Gard and Bautista were inundated with messages from friends urging them to apply. Though hesitant at first, they decided to take a chance. Out of over 5,000 dogs auditioning nationwide, Summer made it to the top 30 before ultimately securing a starring role.
Bautista recalled, “We thought her lack of formal acting training might hold her back, but her volleyball precision stood out. When we got the call that she’d made it, we were overjoyed.”
That celebratory moment marked the start of a whirlwind adventure that took the family from San Diego’s sandy shores to the bustling film sets of Vancouver, Canada.
Life on Set: The Making of a Canine Star
Now training with professional animal handlers, Summer spends her days rehearsing basketball sequences alongside her canine co-star, Charlie, a golden retriever from Ohio. The duo forms a perfect balance—Charlie excels in accuracy while Summer delivers powerful long-range shots. Together, they bring the film’s athletic scenes to life with energy, precision, and heart.
“She’s been incredible on set,” Gard said. “It’s surreal seeing her surrounded by cameras, lights, and trainers. But at her core, she’s still the same beach-loving dog who just loves to play.”
When not performing, Summer enjoys downtime filled with naps and playtime with her new furry friends. She’s expected to wrap up filming before Thanksgiving and return home to San Diego, where her family plans to host a local “watch party” for friends and fellow dog lovers when the movie premieres next year.
Beyond the Movie: A New Chapter for Summer
The Gard-Bautista family hopes this won’t be the end of Summer’s adventures in entertainment. Whether it’s future Air Bud sequels, local halftime performances, or brand partnerships, the couple believes Summer’s story can inspire others to nurture their pets’ unique talents and build deeper bonds through shared activities.
“Some of our favorite memories have been watching the sunset while playing volleyball with her,” Bautista reflected. “If our story encourages people to spend more time connecting with their pets—doing something active and meaningful—then that’s the best outcome of all.”
A New Legacy for a Beloved Franchise
With Air Bud Returns, producers aim to rekindle the magic that made the original series a global phenomenon while introducing a fresh generation to the joy of animal-driven storytelling. The blend of nostalgia and innovation positions the film as one of the most anticipated family releases of 2026.
And at the heart of it all is a San Diego dog who reminds the world that passion and play can take you anywhere—even from the beach to the big screen.
