Matthew Lillard Compares Support After Tarantino's Criticism to 'Living Through Your Own Wake'
Hollywood actor Matthew Lillard has opened up about the "beautiful" and overwhelming support he received from fans and peers following director Quentin Tarantino's public criticism of his acting abilities. The Scream star described the experience as profoundly moving, comparing it to witnessing the tributes typically reserved for someone's passing.
The 'Lovely Reaction' to Tarantino's Comments
Last month, Oscar-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino made headlines during an appearance on Brett Easton Ellis's podcast when he declared he "didn't care for" Matthew Lillard, Paul Dano, or Owen Wilson. While acknowledging that "nobody has to like me" and that acting preferences are subjective, Lillard found the subsequent outpouring of support unexpectedly touching.
"It was like living through your own wake," Lillard told Entertainment Weekly. "All those R.I.P. emails or tweets and Instagram posts and TikToks, all of the things we see after somebody passes are so sweet. And the reality is I just got to live through all of it firsthand — alive and kicking! I can't imagine a more lovely reaction to what happened."
Hollywood Rallies Behind Lillard
The 56-year-old actor received significant backing from within the entertainment industry following Tarantino's remarks. The Life of Chuck director Mike Flanigan publicly defended Lillard, labeling him "the goddamn greatest." Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds recruited Lillard for a Mint Mobile commercial where Reynolds declared in voiceover: "There are only two things that are universally loved: saving money and beloved actor Matthew Lillard."
Lillard humorously noted he kept showing the supportive messages to his wife "to convince her that I am worthy, that people still like me," quipping, "I'm a piece of ass." Despite the hurtful nature of Tarantino's comments, Lillard emphasized that "to then have that kind of reaction was beautiful."
Tarantino's Controversial Assessment
Tarantino made his disparaging remarks while discussing his ranking of the best 21st-century films on Ellis's podcast. When discussing Paul Dano's performance in 2007's There Will Be Blood, which Tarantino placed fifth on his list, the director claimed the film would have ranked higher with a different actor.
"[Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister. [Daniel Day-Lewis] is eating him [alive]. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. He's just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy," Tarantino stated before adding, "I don't care for him. I don't care for Owen Wilson. I don't care for Matthew Lillard."
Lillard's Previous Response and Industry Impact
Lillard initially addressed Tarantino's comments at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio, stating: "The point is that it hurts your feelings. It f***ing sucks. And you wouldn't say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldn't say that to somebody who's a top-line actor in Hollywood." He reflected on the difference between fan appreciation and Hollywood perception, noting he was "very popular in this room. I'm not very popular in Hollywood... two totally different microcosms, right? And so, you know, it's humbling and it hurts."
Paul Dano has also since responded to Tarantino's criticism and the subsequent support, telling Variety: "That was really nice. I was also incredibly grateful that the world spoke up for me so I didn't have to." The incident highlights how public criticism from influential figures can unexpectedly generate waves of solidarity within the entertainment community.
Lillard, who reprises his role as William Afton in the 2025 sequel to Five Nights at Freddy's, has emerged from the experience with renewed appreciation for his supporters while maintaining perspective about the subjective nature of artistic appreciation in Hollywood.
