Charlie, the golden retriever from Jackson Township, is home again after seven busy weeks on a movie set. His role in "Air Bud Returns" took him to Vancouver, where he trained, worked, and won over everyone he met. When he finally returned to Stark County, his community made sure he felt the love. A huge welcome sign greeted him, and neighbors came out to see their hometown star roll back into town.
His story did not start in Hollywood. It started in his family’s backyard, where he chased balls with the same energy he brings to the screen. That simple joy made him stand out in a nationwide search for the next Buddy. More than 5,000 dogs entered the contest. Judges narrowed the field to 30 finalists, then four, and finally chose Charlie, along with Summer, a golden retriever from San Diego, to share the lead role.
E News / Robert Vince, the writer and director of the new film, said the team wanted dogs that carried Buddy’s spark. He said Charlie and Summer had the charm, the presence, and the basketball skills needed to bring Buddy’s story back to life.
His words spread fast online, and soon Charlie became a national talking point. Fans loved the idea of a small-town dog stepping into such a famous role.
Before cameras rolled on October 1, 2025, Charlie completed eight weeks of training in Vancouver. Professional animal trainers taught him cues, hand signals, and court routines used in the movie.
When filming wrapped, Charlie’s return felt like a holiday. Card My Yard Jackson TWP helped make the moment bigger with a special sign. The crew said Charlie acted like any happy dog, rolling his ball toward them with his nose and waiting for someone to play.
How Charlie Rose Became a Big-Screen Star
Charlie’s path to the role started long before the cameras. Anna, his owner, often played ball with him after school. He chased, jumped, and bounced around with the kind of energy that grabs attention. Friends joked that he should be in the next Air Bud movie. They had no idea that a real casting call would come up later and change everything.
When the contest opened, Anna’s family sent in a short video. It showed Charlie dribbling a ball with his paws and trotting proudly with it across the grass. Producers noticed the clip right away.
Marca / The new movie picks up the spirit of the original 1997 classic. "Air Bud Returns" centers on Jacob, a 12-year-old boy who is struggling after the loss of his father.
Landing the part meant months of planning for the Wilson family. They had to arrange travel, talk with the production team, and prepare for the weeks they would be apart from Charlie. Even so, they stayed upbeat. They believed he would rise to the moment, and they were right.
During filming, Charlie worked with trainers who specialize in training animals for acting roles. They taught him to hit marks, follow signals, and stay relaxed in busy studio settings. He learned to move through basketball scenes with confidence.
What to Expect in "Air Bud Returns"
One day, he finds an old Air Bud VHS tape in the attic. The movie sparks something in him, and soon after, he meets a stray golden retriever he decides to name Buddy. Their bond shapes the heart of the story.
The film is scheduled for release in the fall of 2026. Fans of the original series are already talking about it online, and many in Stark County say they plan to fill the theaters on opening night.