Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin is unrecognizable in uncommon public look for movie’s twentieth anniversary
Abigail Breslin became a household name after appearing in the 2006 film Little Miss Sunshine as an adorable yet precocious pageant contestant.
And, 20 years after she starred in the beloved film, Breslin has made a surprise return to the public eye.
The actress, now 29, made a rare red carpet appearance at the Little Miss Sunshine anniversary screening during the Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday.
The star was reunited with former co-stars Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Greg Kinnear – before dozens of fans expressed their surprise at Breslin’s grown-up appearance.
Breslin wore an auburn-colored sweater and a matching skirt as she walked the red carpet, looking very different from the bright-eyed young girl who starred in the hit movie two decades before.
‘Wow, I can’t believe that’s her,’ one user shared to social media, following the outing.
‘ALL GROWN UPPP,’ penned another fan.
‘Oh my! How time flies,’ reflected one.
Abigail Breslin became a household name after appearing in the 2006 film Little Miss Sunshine as an adorable yet precocious pageant contestant
Now, 20 years after she starred in the beloved film, Breslin has made a surprise return to the public eye. Breslin and co-star Paul Dano pictured in 2026
Others gushed about how Breslin looked ‘great’ and ‘amazing’ as some reflected on the longevity and success of the film itself.
Breslin stopped to speak to press gathered at the event, as she too reflected on her time in the spotlight.
Speaking to Pop Faction, she shared: ‘In some ways, I wish I had been older when I did it, so I could appreciate that experience more.
‘But also, I’m happy that I was at that age because I feel like I would have been a little bit too jaded later on.’
Most of the cast of Little Miss Sunshine reunited for a special screening of the independent comedy.
The film originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006, where it was picked up by Fox Searchlight in a distribution deal that, at the time, was the biggest in the festival’s 28-year history.
The plot follows a dysfunctional family as it sets out on a 800-mile trip in a VW van so that Olive, played by Breslin, can take part in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in California.
The film originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006, where it was picked up by Fox Searchlight in a distribution deal that, at the time, was the biggest in the festival’s 28-year history
The star was reunited with former co-stars Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Greg Kinnear – before dozens of fans expressed their surprise at Breslin’s grown-up appearance. Pictured: Breslin then (left) and now (right)
The characters have to deal with several challenges and come to terms with aspects of their own lives while at the same time supporting Olive in her dream.
The film made household names of its main cast, propelling the 22-year old Dano and ten-year old Breslin into international stardom.
It won four Academy Award nominations, including best picture, and won two – best supporting actor for Arkin, and best original screenplay for Michael Arndt.
Beyond her career, on Thursday, the former child star uploaded a post to Instagram to celebrate her three-year wedding anniversary to her husband, Ira Kunyansky.
