Charlie, a 3-year-old golden retriever from Jackson Township, is headed to Hollywood — or at least Vancouver. The playful pup has been chosen as one of two dogs to star as Buddy in the upcoming film Air Bud Returns, a sequel to the beloved basketball-playing dog franchise.
Charlie, owned by Sara and Paul Wilson and their children, Anna and Brady, was selected after a nationwide contest that drew more than 5,000 submissions. The Wilson family learned last month that Charlie would share the role with a second golden retriever named Summer, from San Diego, according to Variety.
“When we found out Charlie made it to the Final Four, we were just in shock,” Sara Wilson told Jordan Miller News. “Then to hear he was actually chosen — it was like winning the lottery.”
From backyard ballplayer to big screen
Charlie’s journey to stardom began in the Wilsons’ backyard, where Anna, who plays softball for Jackson, often tossed balls with him. “He loves to play ball more than anything,” Sara said. “That’s really his personality — if there’s a ball around, he’s there.”
That love became especially clear during Anna’s 16th birthday party, when Charlie began nose-bumping a volleyball back and forth with the kids. “That was when we thought, this dog could really do something,” Sara recalled with a laugh.
The contest required families to submit photos and videos of their dogs playing ball. Charlie’s audition video, filmed at home, helped him stand out among thousands of entries. He advanced through several rounds, including a final height check and a two-minute skills video, before landing among the top four dogs nationwide.
“They even had to make sure he was a real dog and not some AI-generated thing,” Sara said. “A trainer from California actually flew to Ohio to confirm his authenticity, which still makes us laugh.”
Life on set in Vancouver
Charlie will begin eight weeks of training in Vancouver this weekend before filming starts Oct. 1. The Wilson family plans to fly out to visit him on set.
“He’s part of our family, so the idea of him being away for two months is hard,” Sara said. “But we know he’s going to be well taken care of, and we’re so proud of him.”
Sara said the entire family — her husband Paul, daughter Anna, and son Brady — is excited for Charlie’s big opportunity. Anna was the one who first suggested entering him in the contest, knowing how much he loved playing ball.
Carrying the legacy of Buddy
“Air Bud Returns” is set to release in fall 2026 by Cineverse. The story follows Jacob, a 12-year-old coping with the loss of his father, who finds inspiration after discovering an old Air Bud VHS tape and meeting a stray golden retriever named Buddy. Together, they form an unlikely basketball team and embark on a journey of healing, friendship, and triumph.
Robert Vince, writer and director of Air Bud Returns, told Variety that Charlie and Summer were chosen because they “best embody Buddy’s athleticism, charm, and heart.”
“The search for the next Air Bud has been an incredible journey,” Vince said. “Charlie and Summer had the presence, the personality, and yes, the basketball skills to make audiences believe in Buddy all over again.”
At home, still family first
Despite the bright lights of Hollywood, the Wilsons say Charlie will always just be their playful golden retriever.
“We’ll always go for opportunities that showcase his personality,” Sara told Jordan Miller News. “But at the end of the day, he’s our family dog — that’s what matters most.”
