Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has sparked controversy with pointed remarks about actor Owen Wilson, igniting debate about Hollywood opinion and personal taste. During a recent podcast appearance, the director vocalized his disapproval of Wilson’s performances, shining a spotlight on the theme of Owen Wilson criticism by Tarantino within the industry.
Unexpected Remarks on Leading Actors During Podcast Discussion
Appearing on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino examined his selections for the top 20 films of the 21st century. Among the standouts on his list was Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” a film released in 2011 and starring Wilson as a creatively unfulfilled screenwriter exploring the French capital. Tarantino’s appreciation for the film’s story and style stood in stark contrast to his personal feelings about its leading actor.
While discussing “Midnight in Paris,” Tarantino did not hold back, sharing that he had difficulty enjoying the movie fully because of Wilson’s performance. The director’s comments did not go unnoticed, quickly gaining online traction, especially since this critique came amid similar comments about actor Paul Dano, whom he called “uninteresting.” These candid criticisms added fuel to the topic of Owen Wilson criticism by Tarantino that surfaced repeatedly throughout his public appearances.
Tarantino’s Own Words on Wilson and Other Stars
Tarantino further clarified his views with a candid admission, stating:
“I really can’t stand Owen Wilson. I mean, I can’t stand him. I spent the first time watching the movie loving it and hating him. The second time I watched the movie, I was like, ‘Ah, okay, don’t be such a pr—ck. He’s not so bad. He’s not so bad.’ Then, the third time I watched it, I found myself only watching him.”
— Quentin Tarantino, Director
He extended his criticism to include other actors, particularly Matthew Lillard, known for films like “Scooby-Doo” and “Scream,” as well as Paul Dano:
“I don’t care for [Paul Dano], I don’t care for Owen Wilson, I don’t care for Matthew Lillard.”
— Quentin Tarantino, Director
This is not the first time Tarantino has voiced his opinions about Wilson. During a 2012 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, he touched on his conflicted view of “Midnight in Paris”:
“I liked Owen Wilson more than I ever had before. […] Comedy actors, you either really like them or you don’t. And he’s one of those comedy actors I don’t like. I just don’t think he’s funny.”
— Quentin Tarantino, Director
Reaction and Industry Context
Tarantino’s remarks are especially notable because Hollywood is a community where relationships and reputations are carefully maintained. While the director is well known for his directness, his willingness to single out actors with whom he has not worked, including Wilson and Dano, is unusual and has led to some discomfort among fans and industry observers. Tarantino’s assertive style is seen by some as a privilege earned through his distinguished career, highlighting his confidence in expressing candid opinions regardless of potential backlash.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead for Wilson
Although the criticism by Tarantino has stirred discussion, Owen Wilson remains a prominent figure in entertainment, celebrated for roles in cult favorites such as “Zoolander,” “Wedding Crashers,” and as Mobius M. Mobius in Marvel’s “Loki” series on Disney+. Questions now surround Wilson’s future appearances in major franchises, particularly as rumors circulate about his potential return for “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.” The character Mobius, central to Marvel’s multiverse storyline, would naturally fit into upcoming films linked to these cosmological themes.
Marvel Studios has officially set “Avengers: Doomsday” to be released in theaters on December 18, 2026, with speculation growing about which familiar faces, including Wilson, might return as the universe-expanding saga continues.
