Adored 'Scream' Actor Reacts to Quentin Tarantino Criticism Going Viral: 'I'm Not Very Well-Liked in Hollywood'

Matthew Lillard, widely recognized for his iconic roles in Scream and the Scooby-Doo series, has publicly responded to Quentin Tarantino's recent disparaging comments about his acting. Earlier this month, the renowned director singled out several actors he reportedly does not admire, including Lillard, Owen Wilson, and Paul Dano, calling Dano "the weakest male actor" in the Screen Actors Guild during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. Tarantino candidly stated, "I don't care for [Dano], I don't care for Owen Wilson, and I don't care for Matthew Lillard."

During a recent appearance at GalaxyCon, the 55-year-old actor openly addressed the remarks. "Quentin Tarantino this week said he didn't like me as an actor," Lillard said, prompting the audience to vocally support him with loud boos. "Eh, whatever, who gives a sh*t," he added, initially brushing off the critique.

However, Lillard admitted that hearing such criticism from a filmmaker of Tarantino's stature was personally affecting. "It hurts your feelings," he acknowledged. "It f***ing sucks. And you wouldn't say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldn't say that to somebody who's a top-line actor in Hollywood."

Despite the sting of Tarantino's comments, Lillard emphasized the importance of balancing external criticism with the encouragement he receives from fans. "I'm very popular in this room," he remarked. "I'm not very popular in Hollywood. Two totally different microcosms, right? And so, you know, it's humbling, and it hurts."

Alongside his recent work in the Five Nights at Freddy's series, Lillard is also preparing to reprise his role in the seventh Scream film, scheduled for release on February 28, 2026.

Author: Natalie Monroe