Hollywood actors and filmmakers are stepping up in support of Paul Dano after director Quentin Tarantino criticized the actor’s performance and reputation, igniting an intense social media debate. Simu Liu defends Paul Dano publicly, joining others in countering Tarantino’s harsh remarks and championing Dano’s contributions.
Prominent Voices Stand Behind Paul Dano
The controversy began when Quentin Tarantino described Paul Dano as
“the worst fucking actor in SAG”
while discussing the acclaimed film There Will Be Blood. These comments quickly became a flashpoint, prompting many notable Hollywood figures and fans of cinema to respond. Among Dano’s defenders was Simu Liu, star of Marvel’s Shang-Chi, who posted unwavering support:
“idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor” — Simu Liu (@SimuLiu)
Mattson Tomlin, the screenwriter working on The Batman Part II alongside director Matt Reeves, also addressed the controversy. Praising Dano not only as an actor but as a director, Tomlin encouraged others to see more of Dano’s work:
“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)
The widespread defense reflects Dano’s strong reputation among peers across the industry, as cinephiles and colleagues took to social media to highlight his broad talent and achievements.
Fallout From Quentin Tarantino’s Comments
Tarantino’s intense criticism targeted Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood, a film he otherwise praised as one of the best of the 21st century. He argued,
“if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it… and the flaw is Paul Dano,”
further challenging Dano’s role in the film. Describing the performance dynamic, Tarantino stated:
“Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander. But it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander,” Tarantino said. “He is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister. [Daniel] is eating him [alive]. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. Daniel Day-Lewis shows that he doesn’t need a strong foil. The movie needs it. He doesn’t need anything. It’s supposed to be a two-hander and it’s not! … you put him with the the weakest fucking actor in SAG? The limpest dick in the world?” — Quentin Tarantino
He went on, clarifying,
“I am not saying he is giving a terrible performance, I am saying he’s giving a non-entity performance… I don’t care for him,”
maintaining his critical stance.
Industry Connections and Supportive Perspectives
Paul Dano portrayed the Riddler in director Matt Reeves’ The Batman, establishing a working relationship with Mattson Tomlin, who is currently co-writing the sequel. While it remains unclear if Dano will return in the follow-up, which has Scarlett Johansson in early negotiations for a prominent role opposite Robert Pattinson, his recent performance has a lingering impact.
Support extended beyond social media. Dillon Freasier, who played H.W. Plainview, the son of Daniel Day-Lewis’s character in There Will Be Blood, offered his own perspective. In comments aired by TMZ, Freasier praised the work as a complete artistic achievement:
“It’s a work of art. And it’s that way because everyone was perfectly cast.” — Dillon Freasier, Actor
This endorsement from someone directly involved in the film further fanned recognition of Dano’s contributions, reinforcing the actor’s standing among his colleagues and collaborators.
Implications for Hollywood and the Debate on Performance
The defense of Paul Dano from figures like Simu Liu, Mattson Tomlin, and Dillon Freasier signals the powerful bonds within the Hollywood community when a colleague faces severe public criticism. The exchange also shines a light on ongoing debates about the interpretation and evaluation of film performances, with key names like Daniel Day-Lewis, Austin Butler, and Robert Pattinson occasionally invoked as points of comparison.
As the creative team behind The Batman Part II continues its work and speculation builds around future cast announcements, the industry’s unified support may shape ongoing conversations about artistic standards, collaboration, and mutual respect within Hollywood. Paul Dano’s recent experience serves as a reminder of both the challenges and the camaraderie within the world of cinema, demonstrating how influential voices can defend and uplift artists in the face of public criticism.
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
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 4, 2025
