Several Hollywood names have come out in defence of Paul Dano, following criticism of the actor from director Quentin Tarantino.
The Pulp Fiction director discussed the Oscar nominee on the Bret Easton Ellis podcast, while including the 2007 drama There Will Be Blood as part of his favourite films of this century. Dano appeared in the film as a corrupt preacher who becomes a bitter rival of Daniel Day-Lewis’ lead, a ruthless oil prospector.
“There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being No 1 or 2 [on his list of favourites] if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano,” Tarantino said of the film, going on to call the actor “weak sauce” and “the weakest actor in SAG” (the Screen Actors Guild).
The comments prompted support from a number of Hollywood names, including Marvel star Simu Liu, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I think Paul Dano is an incredible actor.”
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 4, 2025
Director Matt Reeves, who worked with Dano on The Batman, tweeted: “Paul Dano is an incredible actor, and an incredible person.”
Paul Dano is an incredible actor, and an incredible person.
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) December 4, 2025
Mattson Tomlin, the screenwriter on the forthcoming The Batman Part II, added: “I am really pleased to see so many people cheer on Paul Dano this week. Not only is he a terrific actor, but he’s an astonishing director who exudes control and tremendous empathy. Check out Wildlife if you haven’t seen it.”
I am really pleased to see so many people cheer on Paul Dano this week. Not only is he a terrific actor, but he’s an astonishing director who exudes control and tremendous empathy. Check out WILDLIFE if you haven’t seen it: https://t.co/WDb34MwjcE
— mattson tomlin (@mattsontomlin) December 3, 2025
Ben Stiller, who directed Dano in the film Escape at Dannemora, posted: “Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant.”
Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) December 4, 2025
Alec Baldwin posted a video on Instagram saying: “I just want to say I love Paul Dano, and if you don’t love Paul Dano…” the actor put his finger to his lips and said “shhh”.
In addition to his comments about the actor, Quentin Tarantino criticised The Hunger Games for “ripping off” 2000 action movie Battle Royale. Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark in the franchise, responded to the remarks in a recent interview.
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