Quentin Tarantino, Quentin Tarantino criticizes Paul Dano [Image Source: NME]
On a recent podcast appearance, Quentin Tarantino offered blunt criticism of Paul Dano’s performance in “There Will Be Blood,” claiming the actor is the main reason the film ranks lower on his list of top movies this century. The “Pulp Fiction” director’s remarks have reignited discussion around “There Will Be Blood” and intensified debate within Hollywood, making “Quentin Tarantino criticizes Paul Dano” a headline topic in the entertainment world.
Tarantino’s Harsh Appraisal of Dano’s Role in “There Will Be Blood”
Quentin Tarantino appeared on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast and shared his admiration for the craftsmanship behind Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 film, “There Will Be Blood.” Tarantino described the film’s classic feel without resorting to imitation, commending Anderson’s ability to tackle narrative and story with precision. As he discussed the movie, he told Anderson directly,
“It had an old Hollywood craftsmanship without trying to be like that,”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker. He acknowledged the film’s unique style, stating,
“It was the only film he’s ever done—and I brought it up to him—that doesn’t have a set piece. The fire is the closest to a set piece. This was about dealing with the narrative, dealing with the story, and he did it f–king amazingly,”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker.
Despite his praise for the film’s direction, Tarantino made it clear he had reservations—especially with Dano’s performance as twins Paul and Eli Sunday, opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. He openly stated,
“There Will Be Blood would stand a good chance at being no. 1 or no. 2 if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it … and the flaw is Paul Dano,”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker. Tarantino criticized the dynamic between Day-Lewis and Dano, explaining that the film was structured as a two-hander, yet, in his opinion, the chemistry fell short. Tarantino said, “He is weak sauce, man.” Further, the director asserted,
Image of: Quentin Tarantino
“He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. The weakest f–king actor in SAG.”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker.
Tarantino even suggested that Austin Butler would have been “wonderful in that role,” though he acknowledged the ability of Daniel Day-Lewis to anchor a scene without needing a strong foil. He explained,
“Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role,”
“Daniel Day-Lewis shows that he doesn’t need a strong foil. The movie needs it. He doesn’t need anything.”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker.
To further clarify his viewpoint, Tarantino distinguished between bad acting and what he saw as Dano’s lack of presence in the film. He added,
“I am not saying he is giving a terrible performance, I am saying he’s giving a non-entity performance,”
Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker.
Reactions and Contrasts: Daniel Day-Lewis and Industry Perspectives
Paul Dano himself has not commented publicly on Tarantino’s remarks, nor have his representatives shared a response despite media requests. The conversation, however, triggered memories of how Dano’s co-star Daniel Day-Lewis previously viewed his work. On The BBC in 2008, Day-Lewis spoke highly of Dano, stating,
“I certainly knew enough about Paul and I hope he’d say the same, to know that he’d be somebody I’d know I wanted on my side in a scrap,”
Daniel Day-Lewis, Actor. He continued to support Dano’s standing as a respected performer with,
“I like him so much as a man—which always helps—but as an actor I think he’s undoubtedly one of the most promising young actors working at the moment.”
Daniel Day-Lewis, Actor.
Public Debate Over Tarantino’s Criticism and Dano’s Standing
Quentin Tarantino’s comments have added further fuel to discussions about acting quality, casting decisions, and the dynamics between big personalities in Hollywood. While Tarantino is no stranger to provocative opinions, his focus on Dano specifically has split opinions among fans and industry observers, with some defending Dano’s subtle approach and others agreeing with the director’s critique.
The matter side-steps the director’s acknowledgment that Daniel Day-Lewis is such a force he hardly required a lavish foil. Still, Tarantino’s assertion that another actor, such as Austin Butler, could have elevated the film, will likely prompt debate on hypothetical casting changes for years to come.
Other High-Profile Celebrity Feuds Shaping Hollywood
Tarantino’s outspoken nature places him among a long list of public figures known for high-profile feuds. Hollywood is peppered with clashes ranging from professional disagreements to personal spats, many of which have played out through social media or interviews. Below, several recent and ongoing rifts illustrate the tension and intensity that remain a fixture in the entertainment industry.
Divides Among Cast Members of “Queer Eye”
Within the “Queer Eye” community, rumors persist about fallout between Tan France and Bobby Berk after Berk’s departure from the series. Bobby Berk addressed the issue with
“I want people to know that Tan and I—we will be fine,”
Bobby Berk, TV Personality. He offered insight into their split, clarifying,
“There was a situation, and that’s between Tan and I, and it has nothing to do with the show. It was something personal that had been brewing—and nothing romantic, just to clarify that,”
Bobby Berk, TV Personality. On social media, Tan France disputed claims he orchestrated Berk’s replacement, stating,
“Netflix and the production companies did a full-on casting. I didn’t put my friend up for the job. They ended up getting it because they were the best person for the job,”
Tan France, TV Personality, and denying any sabotage,
“But I didn’t get them hired by getting rid of somebody else.”
Tan France, TV Personality.
Contentious Relationships on the Set of “Charmed”
The longstanding feud between Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano from the series “Charmed” resurfaced after Holly Marie Combs recounted alleged behind-the-scenes ultimatums. Alyssa Milano responded publicly in 2024, refuting such claims, saying on Instagram,
“I did not have the power to get anyone fired”
Alyssa Milano, Actor, and
“this was so long ago that any retelling of these stories from anyone is just revisionist history.”
Alyssa Milano, Actor. Shannen Doherty, at a subsequent event, countered those remarks, insisting,
“There is no revisionist history happening in the truth that I know we told.”
Shannen Doherty, Actor. Doherty passed away in July 2024, leaving an enduring legacy in television and popular culture.
Sharon Osbourne and Ashton Kutcher’s Public Spat
When asked about celebrities who had rubbed her the wrong way, Sharon Osbourne called Ashton Kutcher the “rudest celebrity” she had ever met.
“rude, rude, rude, rude little boy”
Sharon Osbourne, TV Personality. She further recounted an exchange from “The Talk,” recollecting,
“He goes, ‘What are you, what have you done in this industry?’”
Sharon Osbourne, TV Personality, and her own rebuttal,
“And I was like, ‘Kid, don’t start with me, because I’m gonna eat you up and s–t you out.’ So I was just like, ‘You don’t know what you’re dealing with, kid.’”
Sharon Osbourne, TV Personality. Ashton Kutcher has not responded to Osbourne’s accounts.
Country Music Stars Spar on Instagram
Tension among stars isn’t limited to film and television. In August 2022, Cassadee Pope and Maren Morris took issue with Brittany Aldean’s comments regarding gender identity on Instagram. Brittany Aldean posted,
“I’d really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase. I love this girly life.”
Brittany Aldean, Social Media Post. The comment provoked backlash from peers over its tone and implication.
JoJo Siwa and Candace Cameron Bure Make and Mend Fences
JoJo Siwa once publicly labeled Candace Cameron Bure as the “rudest” celebrity in a TikTok challenge, referencing a time Bure declined a photo request. Bure later apologized, acknowledging,
“I kind of broke your 11-year-old heart. I didn’t take a picture with you. Ugh! I feel crummy, I feel—JoJo, I’m so sorry.”
Candace Cameron Bure, Actor. The two smoothed things over, but controversy arose again when Bure stated her network’s approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, asserting,
“I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core.”
Candace Cameron Bure, Actor. JoJo Siwa responded on her own social media, calling the comment
“rude and hurtful to a whole community of people.”
JoJo Siwa, Performer.
Accusations of Imitation: Courtney Love and Olivia Rodrigo
Back in 2021, Courtney Love accused Olivia Rodrigo of copying the cover of her band Hole’s album for promotional purposes, expecting recognition for the original concept. Rodrigo issued an enthusiastic reply,
“Love u and live through this sooooo much.”
Olivia Rodrigo, Singer-songwriter. Love responded in turn,
“Olivia – you’re welcome. My favorite florist is in Notting Hill, London! Dm me for deets! I look forward to reading your note [winking face emoji].”
Courtney Love, Musician. The interaction drew the attention of fans and press, sparking debate over originality and artistic credit.
Tense Collaboration: Henry Winkler and Tom Hanks
Henry Winkler recounted his brief stint directing Tom Hanks on “Turner & Hooch.” Winkler described his sudden dismissal from the project, remembering,
“I was directing that movie for 13 days and then I was called into [producer] Jeff Katzenberg’s office and he said, ‘You have everything with you? Go home,’”
Henry Winkler, Actor. Winkler made light of the experience by mentioning his good relationship with the dog on set,
“I got along great, great with that dog,”
Henry Winkler, Actor.
Former “Hills” Stars’ Public Rift
The reality TV world has its own set of dramatic feuds, such as the infamous clash between Heidi Montag and Lauren Conrad. Their falling out culminated when Lauren accused Heidi and Spencer Pratt of spreading damaging rumors, forever linking them in fan memory with lines like “You know what you did!”
“Fast & Furious” Franchise Turmoil: Dwayne Johnson vs. Tyrese Gibson
Dwayne Johnson and Tyrese Gibson’s relationship soured when Gibson took to social media after the ninth “Fast & Furious” movie was postponed. He then threatened to leave the franchise if Johnson participated in the next installment. Gibson later explained,
“I have yet to talk to The Rock to this day, and we will have a conversation.”
Tyrese Gibson, Actor. He acknowledged his own role in the drama, stating,
“I found myself being the messenger on behalf of various people associated to the franchise, but stupid me was the only one who went public about those feelings, which is my own fault,”
Tyrese Gibson, Actor, summing up,
“It’s not professional, it’s not cool.”
Tyrese Gibson, Actor.
Historic Pop Star Rivalries: Taylor Swift and Katy Perry
Taylor Swift and Katy Perry’s years-long feud reportedly inspired Swift’s song “Bad Blood.” After public spats over backup dancers and tour schedules, Perry extended an olive branch before Swift’s Reputation Tour. Swift shared in an Instagram video,
“So I just got to my dressing room and found this actual olive branch,”
Taylor Swift, Musician, and captioned it, “Thank you Katy.” Their reconciliation ended one of pop music’s most iconic rivalries.
Sex and the City: Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker
The actors navigated persistent speculation about their offscreen relationship, especially after Kim Cattrall opted not to return for a third “Sex and the City” movie. On Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen asked Parker directly,
“What was your reaction to Kim Cattrall telling Piers Morgan that you were never friends just colleagues?”
Andy Cohen, TV Host. Sarah Jessica Parker described feeling hurt and surprised,
“Just…heartbroken. I mean that whole week, you and I spoke about it because I was just…I don’t know I found it really upsetting because that’s, you know, that’s not the way I recall our experience.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor, explaining further,
“So…it’s sad but I’m kind of…I don’t know, I always think that what ties us together is this singular experience is the thing. It was a professional experience but it became personal because it was years and years of our lives. So I’m hoping that that sort of eclipses anything that’s been recently spoken,”
Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor, reflecting on the long-lasting impact and privilege of their collaboration,
“That many years spent doing something so special that people had a connection with is such a privileged.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor.
Pop Legend Infighting: Madonna vs. Elton John
Superstar drama is not only confined to shifts in casting or control. Madonna and Elton John’s feud began in 2004 when John accused Madonna of pretending to perform live, launching with,
“Madonna, best f–king live act? F–k off! Since when has lip-syncing been live? Sorry about that, but I think everyone who lip-syncs in public on stage, when you pay like 75 quid to see them, should be shot.”
Elton John, Musician. That blunt statement set the tone for an ongoing rivalry between two of music’s biggest personalities.
Creative and Professional Tensions: Shonda Rhimes and Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl’s decision to remove herself from Emmy contention in 2008 sparked enmity with “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes, with Heigl asserting she wasn’t
“given the material to warrant a nomination.”
Katherine Heigl, Actor. Rhimes later reflected on the move with Oprah Winfrey, expressing,
“On some level it stung and on some level I was not surprised,”
Shonda Rhimes, Writer, and shared her ongoing philosophy,
“When people show you who they are, believe them. I carry that [mantra] with me a lot. It has served me well.”
Shonda Rhimes, Writer.
Rappers at Odds: Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B
The explosive confrontation between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B during New York Fashion Week drew worldwide attention. Cardi B described the root of their conflict,
“For a while now she’s been taking a lot of shots at me,”
Cardi B, Musician, elaborating,
“I spoke to her twice before, and we came to an understanding. But she kept it going.”
Cardi B, Musician. The situation boiled over when Cardi believed Minaj had liked negative comments about her parental skills, prompting her to say,
“I was going to make millions off my Bruno Mars tour, and I sacrificed that to stay with my daughter,”
Cardi B, Musician, and
“I love my daughter. I’m a good-ass f–king mom. So for somebody that don’t have a child to like that comment? So many people want to say that party wasn’t the time or the place, but I’m not going to catch another artist in the grocery store or down the block.”
Cardi B, Musician.
Kanye West and Taylor Swift: A Feud for the Ages
Few musical feuds are as widely recognized as the ongoing saga between Kanye West and Taylor Swift. Sparked at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and recharged over the years, the conflict reached a new chapter in 2025 when West followed Swift on Instagram without explanation, a gesture that reignited media speculation. Taylor Swift did not comment publicly at the time, leaving fans to analyze the evolving situation on their own.
Divas Face Off: Mariah Carey vs. Jennifer Lopez
The long-running quarrel between Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez is perhaps best encapsulated by Carey’s infamous response in the early 2000s. When asked about Lopez, Carey simply replied, “I don’t know her,” a phrase that has since become legendary among their fans for its pointed dismissal.
The Influence and Impact of Hollywood Feuds
The entertainment industry, with its mix of personality clashes, professional rivalry, and creative disagreements, continues to be shaped by feuds both on and off the screen. The intensity of Quentin Tarantino’s criticism of Paul Dano adds fresh energy to these ongoing debates about artistic merit and casting. With every public statement, stars like Tarantino, Day-Lewis, and others spark broader discussions that ripple through Hollywood and shape the way fans and insiders view performance, casting, and creative legacy. As these stories demonstrate, personal disputes are likely to remain a compelling—and occasionally overwhelming—feature of the celebrity landscape for years to come.
