Quentin Tarantino incurs the wrath of Hollywood as people unite to defend beloved actor he called ‘weak sauce’

Quentin Tarantino is known for making some of the best films of the past few decades but when it comes to his opinions it’s almost always better to disregard whatever he says. Such is the case with his latest “hot take” on the acting skills of actor Paul Dano, whom the director criticized earlier this week in a completely unprovoked and mean-spirited attack.

Tarantino clearly thinks very highly of himself. Speaking on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood director listed his top 20 films of the 21st century and the Paul Thomas Anderson period drama, There Will Be Blood took the number 5 spot. When explaining why he didn’t put in in first place Tarantino placed the blame solely on supporting actor Paul Dano.

The director explains that the film, featuring Dano and the now legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis, was “supposed to be a two-hander, but it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander.” Tarantino went further stating that Dano “is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister.”

It became blatantly obvious that he had an ax to grind with Paul Dano for whatever reason as he called Dano the “weakest f***ing actor in SAG.”

Hollywood figures come to Paul Dano’s defense

The comments were perplexing to many, especially considering the fact that Dano’s performance in the movie Tarantino was talking about was excellent. Maybe he wasn’t on the level of Daniel Day-Lewis, but very few actors are. 

He was still nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in the film and outside of that he’s played many complex and difficult roles incredibly well. Films like Little Miss Sunshine, Prisoners, and his turn as the Riddler in The Batman all demonstrate his talent and prove that Dano is far from the “weak sister” label Tarantino has inexplicably placed upon him.

Other well-known Hollywood figures have voiced their support for the actor on X and other outlets. Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of the upcoming The Batman: Part II called him a “terrific actor.” Meanwhile Dillon Freaiser, who played the young H.W. Plainview in There Will Be Blood told TMZ “The film is perfect… because everyone was perfectly cast.”

Shang-Chi star Simu Liu also defended Dano, writing on X, “i think paul dano is an incredible actor.”

Tarantino’s comments have angered many. Some fans have even suggested that the director’s opinion stems from a place of jealousy as Dano can actually act while Tarantino’s acting is objectively the worst part of every film he’s ever been in. Others dug up past comments of the director defending pedophile Roman Polanski proving that he has always had terrible opinions.

While many fans still enjoy his films, most accept that Tarantino is a case where the art should be separated from the artist. He knows how to make good films but his opinion is far from gospel.