A wave of Hollywood personalities, including Marvel star Simu Liu, have come forward to defend actor Paul Dano following sharp criticism from Quentin Tarantino, who recently referred to Dano as
“
the worst fucking actor in SAG.
”
The ongoing discussion has put the spotlight on the breadth of Dano’s talents, with both fans and industry colleagues using social media to voice their support and emphasize his impact on contemporary cinema. The focus keyword, “Simu Liu defends Paul Dano,” has become central to the dialogue about respect and recognition within the acting community.
Industry Voices Rally Support for Paul Dano
Following Tarantino’s cutting remarks, notable figures spoke out in Dano’s favor. Simu Liu, best known as the star of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi,” publicly addressed the debate by stating on X:
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor
— Simu Liu, Actor. This short but emphatic message from a major actor further fueled a groundswell of backing for Dano across multiple platforms.
The screenwriter Mattson Tomlin, who is currently collaborating with director Matt Reeves on “The Batman Part II,” also contributed to the conversation. Tomlin commended both Dano’s acting and his directorial skills, writing:
I am really pleased to see so many people cheer on Paul Dano this week. Not only is he a terrific actor, but he’s an astonishing director who exudes control and tremendous empathy. Check out WILDLIFE if you haven’t seen it: https://t.co/WDb34MwjcE
— Mattson Tomlin, Screenwriter. Tomlin’s praise highlighted not only Dano’s past performances but also his work behind the camera, urging viewers to revisit the actor’s directorial debut “Wildlife.”
Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler in Reeves’ “The Batman” forged a closer working relationship with Tomlin, adding further weight to his endorsement. Although Dano’s involvement in the planned sequel remains unconfirmed, anticipation around “The Batman Part II”—which recently made headlines for reports of Scarlett Johansson entering early talks for a lead role alongside Robert Pattinson—has added urgency to discussions about Dano’s future in the franchise.
Tarantino’s Comments Spark Backlash and Renewed Appreciation
The controversy originated when Quentin Tarantino, while discussing his list of top films of the 21st century, described Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” as the fifth best of the era but said the film would have ranked even higher
“
if it didn’t have a big, giant flaw in it… and the flaw is Paul Dano.
”
Expanding on his critique, Tarantino elaborated:
Obviously, it’s supposed to be a two-hander. But it’s also drastically obvious that it’s not a two-hander,
[Dano] is weak sauce, man. He is the weak sister. [Daniel] is eating him [alive]. Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that role. He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. Daniel Day-Lewis shows that he doesn’t need a strong foil. The movie needs it. He doesn’t need anything. It’s supposed to be a two-hander and it’s not! … you put him with the the weakest fucking actor in SAG? The limpest dick in the world?
— Quentin Tarantino, Director.
Tarantino concluded his remarks, emphasizing his view that Dano’s performance lacked presence:
I am not saying he is giving a terrible performance, I am saying he’s giving a non-entity performance… I don’t care for him,
— Quentin Tarantino, Director. These comments prompted immediate and widespread public reactions, ranging from disappointment in Tarantino’s harshness to organized shows of support for Dano’s craft.
Cast and Crew of ‘There Will Be Blood’ Defend Dano’s Performance
TMZ reached out to Dillon Freasier, who played the son H.W. Plainview alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood,” to gauge his perspective in light of Tarantino’s criticism. Freasier addressed the film’s ensemble directly, stating:
It’s a work of art. And it’s that way because everyone was perfectly cast.
— Dillon Freasier, Actor. This assertion highlights the widely held opinion among cast members and many viewers that Dano’s performance contributed meaningfully to the dynamics of an acclaimed film.
Community and Colleagues Shape the Dialogue
The debate around Dano’s talents has brought various Hollywood stakeholders and the broader viewing public to reflect on what makes an actor resonate with audiences. The strong support from figures like Simu Liu, Mattson Tomlin, and Dillon Freasier emphasizes the sustained impact Dano has had in his roles and extends beyond film critics’ commentary. Support for Dano showcases the complexities of actors navigating both praise and criticism within their careers.
The Broader Impact and Looking Ahead
As the discourse over Paul Dano’s merits continues, the passionate defense from peers like Simu Liu, discussions from key creative voices such as Mattson Tomlin, and cast member Dillon Freasier’s endorsement have all underlined Dano’s respected place among actors of his generation. With heightened anticipation surrounding future projects such as “The Batman Part II” and ongoing celebratory sentiment from much of the industry, the episode may serve to further cement Dano’s stature and highlight the importance of professional solidarity in Hollywood.
I am really pleased to see so many people cheer on Paul Dano this week. Not only is he a terrific actor, but he's an astonishing director who exudes control and tremendous empathy. Check out WILDLIFE if you haven't seen it: https://t.co/WDb34MwjcE
— mattson tomlin (@mattsontomlin) December 3, 2025
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 4, 2025
