Matthew Lillard has opened up about how Quentin Tarantino’s public criticism last year affected him, admitting it was painful even as it sparked an unexpected outpouring of support across Hollywood.
Talk to PEOPLEthe actor said he would “love” to work with Tarantino again one day, which made the director’s comments all the more difficult to hear.
“I think he’s a lovely filmmaker, and getting punched in the mouth was a little disappointing,” Lillard said, reflecting on the moment.
The comments date back to a viral appearance made by Tarantino on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast last fall, where he severely criticized several actors.
During the interview, Tarantino called Paul Dano the “weakest fucking actor on SAG” and added that he doesn’t care about Lillard or Owen Wilson either.
The remarks quickly spread online, sparking strong reactions from fans and industry figures.
For Lillard, the consequences were surreal. He described it as watching his own tribute unfold in real time.
“I felt like I was dead and in heaven watching everyone send their RIP tweets,” he told PEOPLE.
“I mean, it was really being a part of your own wake, kind of sitting there experiencing all the great things that people say after you die… Everyone from people at the mall this weekend with my kids to George Clooney and James Gunn and Mike Flanagan, I mean, people have kind of been very generous in telling me how much they loved me and loved my work.
This support was strong and public.
Dano, who was also singled out in Tarantino’s comments, saw a similar outpouring of support.
Talk to Variety at Sundance, he said “it was really nice” to see such a response and added that he was grateful that others spoke on his behalf, saying, “I was also incredibly grateful that the world was speaking 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 earned from colleagues and audiences alike, even in the face of brutal criticism.
