Matthew Lillard Compares Support After Tarantino Criticism to His Own Wake
American actor Matthew Lillard has revealed he felt like he was observing his own funeral after being inundated with messages of solidarity following director Quentin Tarantino's public criticism. The 56-year-old star, known for roles in Scream and Scooby-Doo, became the target of Tarantino's vitriol during a controversial podcast episode that also disparaged fellow actors Paul Dano and Owen Wilson.
Overwhelming Industry Support Felt Like Heavenly Observance
In a new interview with People magazine, Lillard humorously compared the flood of supportive messages to witnessing his own memorial service. "It felt like I had died and was in heaven watching everyone send out their RIP tweets," Lillard explained. "I mean, it was really nice being a part of your own wake, sort of sitting there living through all the nice things people say after you die."
The actor detailed how support came from all corners, ranging from ordinary fans to Hollywood heavyweights. "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 sort of been really generous with telling me how much they loved me and liked my work," Lillard shared.
Tarantino's Controversial Podcast Comments
The controversy originated on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, where 62-year-old director Tarantino made several disparaging remarks about fellow actors. Tarantino stated he "didn't care" for Lillard's acting, called Paul Dano "weak sauce", and controversially claimed Dano was the "big giant flaw" in Paul Thomas Anderson's acclaimed film There Will Be Blood.
Lillard first addressed these comments publicly in December during a GalaxyCon appearance in Columbus, Ohio, where he admitted the criticism "f***ing [sucked]". A TikTok video from the event showed Lillard telling fans: "Quentin Tarantino this week said he didn't like me as an actor. Eh, whatever. Who gives a s***."
The Personal Impact of Public Criticism
Despite his casual public dismissal, Lillard acknowledged the personal hurt caused by Tarantino's remarks. "The point is that it hurts your feelings. It f***ing sucks," he confessed. "And you wouldn't say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldn't say that to somebody who's a top-line actor in Hollywood."
The actor expressed particular disappointment because he admires Tarantino's filmmaking and would "love" to appear in one of his movies. "I think he's a lovely filmmaker, and to just sort of get punched in the mouth was kind of a bummer," Lillard said, before adding: "At the end of the day, it was kind of lovely."
Industry Solidarity and Co-Stars' Reactions
Lillard isn't the only actor to receive support following Tarantino's comments. Paul Dano also expressed gratitude for the solidarity he received in an interview last month. Meanwhile, Dano's Little Miss Sunshine co-star Toni Collette offered a more blunt assessment: "F*** that guy! He must've been high... it was just confusing. Who does that?"
Despite the controversy, Lillard continues his acting career with significant momentum. This month, he reprises his iconic role as Stu Macher in the latest installment of the Scream slasher franchise, appearing alongside original cast members Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox.
The entire episode highlights the complex dynamics of public criticism within the entertainment industry, where even established actors can be deeply affected by peers' negative assessments, while simultaneously experiencing overwhelming support from colleagues and fans alike.
