AceShowbiz - Air Bud is making a triumphant return to the big screen this summer with a series of dog-friendly movie screenings across three U.S. cities. Cineverse, Air Bud Entertainment, and the PEDIGREE brand have partnered to host special events in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Kansas City, giving fans the chance to watch the beloved 1997 original film alongside their furry friends.

The events will feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming family film Air Bud Returns, followed by full screenings of the original classic. The dog-friendly activations are part of the PEDIGREE brand's newly launched "Good Then, Better Now" campaign, which celebrates the brand's legacy of over 40 years and its recent product upgrades.

"We all cherish the memories of the dogs we grew up with and many of us watched Air Bud alongside our furry family members," said Helen Hastings, Director of the PEDIGREE brand at Mars Pet Nutrition North America. "PEDIGREE is proud to be part of those moments and these dog-friendly screening events are a joyful way to bring families together and create new memories."

The screenings will take place on August 3 at St. Barks in Studio City, California; August 5 at ChiTown Drive-In in Chicago; and August 10 at Boulevard Drive-In in Kansas City, Kansas. Each event will include a special video introduction by Robert Vince, the creator and director of Air Bud Returns, as well as exclusive giveaways, PEDIGREE pet product samples, limited-edition movie merchandise, a themed photo booth, and a custom-built basketball hoop activation. Pet hydration stations will be available for furry attendees.

"For the millions who grew up with Air Bud we wanted to give our fans a chance to experience the original underdog story on the big screen with their family and dogs, giving a new generation an opportunity to discover him for the first time," said Vince. "With this Summer Series, we're celebrating everything that made Air Bud and PEDIGREE special then—and making those moments even better now."

The summer screenings are a precursor to the wide theatrical release of Air Bud Returns, which is set to hit theaters on January 22, 2027. The new film follows 14-year-old Jacob, who moves to Fernfield after his father's death and discovers a VHS tape of his dad playing basketball with the original Air Bud. After meeting a stray golden retriever he names Buddy, Jacob learns to play basketball with the dog, uniting a team of misfits and becoming champions.

"Air Bud Returns is literally the ultimate underdog story, and one that uniquely features the connections and unique bonds families share with their pets," said Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias. "By partnering with the PEDIGREE brand to create this dog-friendly event, we're giving fans of this enduring franchise -- and their pups! -- a unique way to experience that onscreen magic in the real world with their families."

As the tagline reminds fans, "still…ain't no rule that says a dog can't play basketball." RSVP and event information are available at returns.airbud.com. The partnership also includes a premiere event in January ahead of the film's wide release.