‘Little Miss Sunshine’ cast reunite 20 years later

Paul Dano, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin and Greg Kinnear reunited 20 years after ‘Little Miss Sunshine’s’ premiere

Twenty years after Little Miss Sunshine first charmed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, several of its key stars reunited at the 2026 edition of the legendary independent film event in Park City, Utah. The dark comedy premiered at Sundance on January 20, 2006, launching its cast and crew to critical and commercial success, and in honour of that milestone anniversary, Paul Dano, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin and Greg Kinnear took the stage together once again.

The gathering at the Eccles Theatre, the same venue where the film originally screened, brought together the actors alongside directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, screenwriter Michael Arndt and producers for a special 20th anniversary celebration. Fans in attendance included both viewers who saw the film two decades ago and newcomers experiencing the story for the first time.

Dano, who played the moody brother Dwayne Hoover, was met with enthusiastic applause as he joined his co‑stars onstage. Collette, who portrayed Sheryl Hoover, and Kinnear, who played Richard Hoover, reunited with Breslin, now 29, who earned an Academy Award nomination as Olive Hoover when she was just a child.

At the event, Breslin shared a playful memory from the original screening, recalling how the standing ovation she received as a nine‑year‑old had felt overwhelming. She joked that the thunderous applause had made her momentarily fear a theatre evacuation before her mother reassured her it was a positive reaction.

The reunion was tinged with nostalgia for many, especially as they remembered the late Alan Arkin, the Oscar‑winning actor who played Grandpa Hoover and passed away in 2023. His presence was remembered warmly by both fans and fellow cast members, demonstrating the enduring impact of his performance.

Little Miss Sunshine remains a beloved indie classic, having earned four Academy Award nominations and winning two, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Arkin, after its Sundance debut. Its clever, heartfelt portrayal of a dysfunctional family road trip continues to resonate across generations, and this anniversary reunion underscored just how much the film means to viewers and filmmakers alike.