Matthew Lillard has opened up about how Quentin Tarantino’s public criticism last year landed with him, admitting it was painful, even as it sparked an unexpected wave of support from across Hollywood.
speaks to PEOPLEthe actor said he would still “love” to work with Tarantino one day, making the director’s comments even harder to hear.
“I think he’s a nice filmmaker, and to get hit in the mouth was just kind of a letdown,” Lillard said, reflecting on the moment.
The comments trace back to a viral performance Tarantino made Bret Easton Ellis Podcast last fall, where he criticized several actors harshly.
During the interview, Tarantino labeled Paul Dano “the weakest f—ing actor in SAG” and added that he didn’t care for Lillard or Owen Wilson either.
The comments quickly spread online and drew strong reactions from fans and industry professionals alike.
For Lillard, the aftermath was surreal. He described it as watching his own tribute unfold in real time.
“It felt like I had died and was in heaven watching everyone send out their RIP tweets,” he told PEOPLE.
“I mean, it was really being a part of your own wake, like sitting there and living through all the nice things people say after you die… Everyone, from the people at the mall this weekend with my kids to George Clooney and James Gunn and Mike Flanagan, I mean, people have been kind of really generous in telling me how much they loved me and liked my work.”
That support was loud and public.
Dano, who was also singled out in Tarantino’s comments, saw a similar outpouring of support.
speaks to Black at Sundance, he said “it was really nice” to see such a response, adding that he was grateful that others spoke up on his behalf, saying, “I was also incredibly grateful that the world spoke up for me so I didn’t have to.”
While Tarantino’s words clearly stung, Lillard’s reflections show how the moment ultimately became one of affirmation, revealing the respect he’s earned from colleagues and audiences alike, even in the face of blunt criticism.
