Matthew Lillard Responds to Quentin Tarantino's "Humbling" Critique of His Acting: "It's Painful"

Actor Matthew Lillard has responded after Quentin Tarantino publicly criticized several performers. Lillard admitted that hearing the 2-time Academy Award-winning director express that he doesnt care for Lillards work was painful. Tarantinos remarks also included actors Paul Dano and Owen Wilson.

Speaking to fans at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio, Lillard said, Quentin Tarantino this week said he didnt like me as an actor. Eh, whatever. Who gives a s***. However, he acknowledged the emotional impact, adding, It hurts your feelings. It f***in sucks. And you wouldnt say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldnt say that to someone whos a top-line actor in Hollywood.

Lillard, known for roles in Scream (1996), Scooby-Doo (2002), and Five Nights at Freddys (2023), explained the difference between fan appreciation and industry opinion: Im very popular in this room. Im not very popular in Hollywood. Two totally different microcosms. Its humbling, and it hurts.

Tarantino had earlier criticized Paul Danos performance in There Will Be Blood (2007), calling it a big, giant flaw in the film. He described Dano as weak sauce and suggested that another actor, Austin Butler, would have been better suited for the role. Tarantino extended his critique, stating, I dont care for [Dano], I dont care for Owen Wilson, and I dont care for Matthew Lillard.

Author: Olivia Parker