“Air Bud” Child Star Kevin Zegers Says His 2 Kids Think the Movie Is ‘Weird’ and ‘Too Sad’ (Exclusive)

Kevin Zegers, the Canadian actor known for his role in the iconic family film “Air Bud,” recently shared that his twin daughters had a rather surprising reaction to the movie. At a recent premiere for his new show, The Madison, held in New York City, Zegers revealed that his daughters found the 1997 film “weird” and “too sad.” Their critique came after they watched the movie a few years ago, during which they expressed their discontent over the treatment of their father’s character, saying they took it rather personally.

During the premiere event on March 9, Zegers spoke with PEOPLE magazine and provided insight into his daughters’ perspective. “Of course they watched it,” he said when asked if they had seen the film. “They think it’s very weird. They think it’s too sad. They didn’t like that people were picking on me,” he noted, showcasing how protective they are of him.

Zegers, who is now 41, has been gradually introducing his 10-year-old daughters to his past works. He mentioned that they are beginning to grasp the nature of his career. This latest event marked their first experience on the red carpet, a milestone he has approached with some caution. “I try to keep them away from this stuff,” he admitted, demonstrating a desire to shield them from the pressures of the limelight.

He also reflected on his own childhood experiences in the industry, particularly regarding responsibility towards younger co-stars. Zegers compared his daughters’ age to Alaina Pollack, a fellow actor on The Madison, recalling being the same age when he starred in “Air Bud.” He feels a sense of obligation to support younger talent, stemming from his own challenges when navigating fame as a child. “I felt it’s been great to have this responsibility to try to take care of her,” he explained, highlighting the difficulties young actors can face.

Although Zegers’ daughters may not have resonated with the themes of “Air Bud,” he finds value in them having a reference point for his past. He remarked, “I’m glad my kids will have some frame of reference of what I used to be like,” suggesting that understanding his early career could enhance their awareness of his journey in the entertainment world.

The original “Air Bud” debuted over two decades ago, with Zegers portraying Josh Framm when he was just 12 years old. The film also featured a notable cast, including actors like Michael Jeter and Wendy Makkena, and sparked a successful franchise that included several sequels, such as “Air Bud: Golden Receiver” and “Air Bud: World Pup.”

Currently, Zegers is taking on a new role in the series The Madison, created by Taylor Sheridan. The show tells the story of a couple, played by Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer, who relocate from New York City to Montana. The cast also features names such as Patrick J. Adams and Matthew Fox, with Will Arnett appearing as a guest star.

The Madison is set to premiere on Paramount+ on March 14, further diversifying Zegers’ portfolio as he transitions into new character roles. As he explores this latest chapter in his career, he remains grounded in his responsibilities as a father and the experiences that have shaped him throughout his time in the spotlight.