Paul Dano Defended by THE BATMAN Writer and THERE WILL BE BLOOD Co-Star After Tarantino’s Attack
Quentin Tarantino stirred up a firestorm this week when he took a surprising unprovoked swing at Paul Dano. What started on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast as a casual rundown of Tarantino’s top movies of the century quickly turned into a moment that had movie fans, filmmakers, and actors rallying to Dano’s side.
The filmmaker included Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood in his top 20, but he singled out Dano’s performance as the film’s major flaw. It’s so crazy, the way that he just lashes out at him in such a mean-spirited way.
Tarantino said, “It’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. [Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister.” He continued with an even harsher jab, calling Dano the “weakest f***ing actor in SAG.” The comments ricocheted across social media within hours.
Fans immediately jumped into the conversation, but some of the strongest responses came from creators who’ve worked with Dano.
Mattson Tomlin, who co wrote The Batman: Part II with Matt Reeves, voiced his appreciation for the actor and filmmaker on X and wrote, “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.”
As you know, Dano played The Riddler in Reeves’ 2022 The Batman, and he was great in the role. Edward Nashton was last seen locked up, and while there has been no confirmation of his return.
Dillon Freasier, who played young H.W. Plainview in There Will Be Blood, also shared his support. Speaking to TMZ, he pushed back on Tarantino’s critique and said, “The film is perfect. It’s a work of art. And it’s that way because everyone was perfectly cast.”
TMZ also noted that Freasier laughed off Tarantino’s idea that Austin Butler would have been a better choice for the role, which is especially amusing since Butler would have been just 16 when the movie was released in 2007.
Barbie and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu added on X, writing, “idk man i think Paul Dano is an incredible actor.”
Film journalist Jamie Graham echoed the sentiment of many cinephiles when he shared, “Alternative take [to Tarantino]: Paul Dano is f***ing brilliant in the film, and being weak and weaselly is the whole point.”
Dano’s work inspires a lot of passion, and the response to Tarantino’s comments shows just how much his performances resonate with audiences and collaborators.
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