Quentin Tarantino just ignited one of Hollywood’s most unexpected feuds.
The legendary filmmaker unleashed a scathing critique of Paul Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood, calling him “weak sauce” and “the weakest f***ing actor in SAG.”
But Hollywood isn’t having it.
From Batman writers to Marvel stars, the industry has rallied around Dano in a passionate defense that’s dominating social media feeds this week.
Tarantino’s Brutal Takedown
During an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis podcast, Tarantino was discussing his top 20 films of the 21st century when he landed on Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed There Will Be Blood.
While praising aspects of the 2007 masterpiece, the Pulp Fiction director couldn’t hold back his criticism of Dano’s portrayal opposite Daniel Day-Lewis.
It’s supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander. He is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister.
Tarantino didn’t stop there. His unprovoked assault on Dano’s acting abilities sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, particularly given the film’s critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
The timing seemed especially random—There Will Be Blood premiered nearly two decades ago, making Tarantino’s sudden criticism all the more puzzling to observers.
Hollywood Strikes Back
The response was swift and overwhelming.
Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman: Part II with director Matt Reeves, jumped to Dano’s defense on social media with a thoughtful tribute that highlighted dimensions of the actor’s talent Tarantino apparently overlooked.
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.
Tomlin’s defense carries particular weight given his close working relationship with Dano, who delivered a chilling performance as The Riddler in Reeves’ 2022 Batman reboot.
Marvel star Simu Liu kept his defense simple but pointed, writing on X/Twitter that he thinks “Paul Dano is an incredible actor.”
An Unexpected Ally Emerges
Perhaps the most compelling defense came from someone who stood beside Dano throughout the entire filming process.
Dillon Freasier, who played young H.W. Plainview in There Will Be Blood, spoke to TMZ about Tarantino’s comments with unwavering conviction.
The film is perfect. It’s a work of art. And it’s that way because everyone was perfectly cast.
Freasier reportedly laughed off Tarantino’s bizarre suggestion that Austin Butler would have been superior in Dano’s role—despite Butler being only 16 years old when the film premiered in 2007.
That mathematical reality alone raised eyebrows about whether Tarantino had fully thought through his criticism before voicing it publicly.
Dano’s Proven Track Record
Critics and audiences alike have consistently praised Dano’s versatility throughout his career.
His portrayal of Eli Sunday, the evangelical preacher in There Will Be Blood, showcased remarkable range and intensity. Stepping into a demanding role opposite one of cinema’s most legendary method actors is no small feat, yet Dano held his own throughout the film’s brutal confrontations.
Beyond There Will Be Blood, Dano has built an impressive resume that includes:
- The Riddler in The Batman – A terrifying, unhinged portrayal that left audiences genuinely disturbed
- Little Miss Sunshine – A breakout performance that demonstrated his ability to convey complexity through silence
- Swiss Army Man – An audacious role that proved his willingness to take creative risks
- Love & Mercy – His transformation into Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson earned widespread critical acclaim
As Tomlin pointed out, Dano has also transitioned behind the camera, directing the acclaimed film Wildlife starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal.
What This Means For Batman Fans
Dano’s role in The Batman ended with Edward Nashton imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, establishing a potential return in future installments.
While nothing has been officially confirmed regarding his appearance in The Batman: Part II, industry reports suggest the door remains open. Deadline recently reported that Scarlett Johansson is circling a role opposite Robert Pattinson in the highly anticipated sequel.
Given Tomlin’s enthusiastic defense and the positive reception to Dano’s Riddler, fans continue speculating about how the character might factor into future DC Studios plans.
The Bigger Picture
Tarantino’s comments reveal an interesting tension in Hollywood—legendary directors don’t always agree on what constitutes great acting.
What reads as “weak” to one filmmaker might represent nuanced restraint to another. Paul Thomas Anderson clearly saw something in Dano that warranted casting him opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in one of the decade’s most ambitious films.
The overwhelming industry support for Dano suggests Tarantino’s assessment represents a minority opinion rather than consensus reality.
For now, Dano hasn’t publicly responded to Tarantino’s criticism. His work continues speaking louder than any defense he could offer—a testament to an artist who lets performances stand on their own merit rather than engaging in public feuds.
And judging by Hollywood’s reaction this week, those performances have earned him plenty of allies willing to fight his battles for him.