Actor Matthew Lillard has publicly addressed his hurt feelings following harsh criticism levelled at him by acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino. The controversy stems from remarks Tarantino made during a recent podcast appearance.
Tarantino's Scathing Podcast Comments
During an interview on the Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, known for classics like Kill Bill, did not hold back in his assessment of several actors' performances. While discussing Paul Dano's role in There Will Be Blood, Tarantino labelled Dano as "weak sauce" and "the weakest f***ing actor" in the film. His disparaging comments also extended to actors Matthew Lillard and Owen Wilson.
Lillard's Emotional Response at GalaxyCon
Matthew Lillard, beloved for his roles in Scream and the live-action Scooby-Doo films, spoke candidly about the impact of Tarantino's words during a fan event. At GalaxyCon, Lillard expressed that such public criticism "f***ing sucks" and pointed out the perceived double standard in the industry. He suggested that such harsh words would likely not be directed at top-tier, A-list actors like Tom Cruise, highlighting the personal sting of the director's comments.
Industry Backlash and Defence of Paul Dano
The fallout from Tarantino's podcast interview prompted a swift defence from within the film community. Notably, filmmaker Matt Reeves, who directed Paul Dano as The Riddler in The Batman, came to the actor's defence on social media platform X. Reeves posted a strong rebuttal, stating unequivocally that Dano is an "incredible actor, and an incredible person." This public support underscores the respect Dano commands amongst his peers and collaborators, countering Tarantino's singular critique.
The incident, which took place in early December 2025, has sparked a wider conversation about the ethics of public criticism by influential figures in Hollywood and its very real impact on the artists involved.
