Breslin made his big leap into film at the age of eight by starring in the 2000 cult fantasy comedy-drama film "Disney's The Kid" as chubby, good-natured, lovable, and direct 8-year-old Rusty alongside Bruce Willis (who plays Russ). Director Jon Turteltaub chose Breslin over thousands of other child actors after a nationwide search. Turteltaub said: "Bruce couldn't keep a straight face during [Spencer's audition. He kept giggling at how wonderful and alive and funny Spencer was." Breslin appreciated the finer things about making a movie with Willis: "The coolest things of all were my breaks. I drove golf carts all around the lot. Sometimes I would ride around and just scare people." Turteltaub observed: "There is nothing bratty, nothing spoiled about this kid at all." Breslin introduced child actress Skye McCole Bartusiak, one year his junior, to his co-star when she visited him on the set by shouting: "Bruce, come meet my girlfriend!"