Quentin Tarantino has stirred fresh conversation online following his appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, where he openly discussed actors whose performances he has never personally resonated with. While reflecting on his curated list of the top films of the 21st century, the celebrated filmmaker shifted into candid territory, mentioning three actors he “doesn’t care for”: Paul Dano, Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard.
While praising Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris—which he ranked among his top choices—Tarantino admitted he has long struggled with Owen Wilson’s acting style. He described his changing reactions across multiple viewings of the film, revealing that although he initially disliked Wilson’s performance, he later found himself analyzing only him during the movie.
The director’s comments also reignited discussion surrounding his past critique of There Will Be Blood. Tarantino reiterated that he considers Paul Dano miscast in what he believes should have been a powerful two-character dynamic. He argued that Dano lacked the intensity required for the role and suggested that someone like Austin Butler would have delivered a more compelling performance. His remarks recaptured widespread attention across film communities.
Tarantino rounded off his list by adding Matthew Lillard, noting simply that he “doesn’t care for him,” without elaborating further. While none of the actors has responded publicly, Tarantino’s remarks quickly circulated on social media, sparking a mix of reactions ranging from disagreement to humor as fans debated his opinions.
The comments appear as Tarantino continues media appearances tied to his recent projects, keeping him firmly in the spotlight of film discussion circles.