Ben Stiller publicly defended Paul Dano in the wake of Quentin Tarantino’s negative comments, which labeled Dano as “weak” and uninteresting in “There Will Be Blood.” The support for Dano quickly grew within Hollywood, making Ben Stiller defends Paul Dano a key topic in industry conversations.
Hollywood Rallies Behind Paul Dano After Criticism
After Quentin Tarantino criticized Paul Dano’s performance in “There Will Be Blood” on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, describing him as the film’s “big, giant flaw,” the response from Hollywood was swift and passionate. Many were surprised by Tarantino’s harsh words, considering Dano’s reputation as a respected and versatile character actor.
Ben Stiller, who directed Paul Dano in the acclaimed Showtime series “Escape at Dannemora,” was among the first in the industry to counter Tarantino’s view. Stiller took to X to show his personal and professional support, stating, “Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant,” per Page Six. The strong bond formed during “Escape at Dannemora” helped shape Stiller’s immediate and emphatic defense.
Stiller’s statement ignited a wave of encouragement from across the film community. Actors, directors, and collaborators who have worked with Dano stepped forward to publicly affirm his abilities and his contributions to their projects.
Prominent Figures Voice Support for Dano
Following Ben Stiller’s message, numerous notable industry professionals joined in vocal support. Marvel actor Simu Liu shared,
“idk man I think paul dano is an incredible actor.”
— Simu Liu, Actor
Director Matt Reeves, who directed Dano in “The Batman,” added,
“an incredible actor, and an incredible person.”
— Matt Reeves, Director
Alec Baldwin weighed in during an Instagram video, expressing,
“I just wanna say I love Paul Dano… and if you don’t love Paul Dano, shhhh.”
— Alec Baldwin, Actor
Comedian Zach Woods contributed humor to the conversation, saying,
“weird-looking white boys have to stand up for each other,”
further advising Tarantino to remain quiet on the matter.
Other notable supporters included Josh Gad, David Krumholtz, and screenwriter Mattson Tomlin, who praised Dano’s acting and directorial achievements, highlighting his work on “Wildlife.” The outpouring of praise extended beyond recent collaborators. Dillon Freasier, Dano’s co-star in “There Will Be Blood,” described the film as “perfect” and emphasized that its success came from “everyone being perfectly cast.” Actress Colleen Foy joined in, attributing Dano’s strengths by noting the impact of his “incredible performance,” and she also recalled Quentin Tarantino’s past positive remarks at a previous film screening.
Industry Recognition and Enduring Reputation
Beyond this recent wave of support, Paul Dano’s career includes acclaimed roles in films such as “Little Miss Sunshine,” “12 Years a Slave,” “The Fabelmans,” and “The Batman.” His performances have earned him nominations for Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards, and he continues to be sought after, with roles upcoming in “The Wizard of the Kremlin” and A24’s “The Chaperones.”
Despite Quentin Tarantino’s critique, the overwhelming reaction from actors, directors, colleagues, castmates, and fans underscores the industry’s respect for Paul Dano’s talent. The unified response from so many Hollywood figures demonstrates a widespread appreciation for Dano’s dedication and skill, with many reinforcing the belief that his presence elevates every project he joins. Alec Baldwin reaffirmed this simple but powerful sentiment:
“I just wanna say I love Paul Dano.”
— Alec Baldwin, Actor
The public support from established names such as Ben Stiller, Simu Liu, Matt Reeves, Alec Baldwin, and others serves to highlight not only Dano’s skill as an actor but also the profound collaborative spirit within Hollywood. As this conversation continues, Dano’s career remains a testament to the respect and solidarity shared among his peers.
Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) December 4, 2025
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 4, 2025
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
