Sun Dec 07 02:30:00 UTC 2025: Tarantino Blasts Paul Dano’s Performance in ‘There Will Be Blood,’ Suggests Austin Butler for the Role
Quentin Tarantino has ignited a debate among film fans with his harsh criticism of Paul Dano’s performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film, “There Will Be Blood.” In a recent appearance on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” the “Pulp Fiction” director claimed Dano’s portrayal of Eli Sunday was a “weak” spot that prevented the movie from reaching its full potential.
Tarantino didn’t hold back, describing Dano as “weak sauce” and a “weak sister,” arguing that he failed to create a convincing two-hander opposite Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar-winning performance. He even went as far as to call Dano “the limpest d*** in the world” in the context of actors.
Instead, Tarantino suggested that Austin Butler, who worked with Tarantino for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” would have been a “wonderful” choice for the role. However, it is worth noting that Butler was only 16 years old when “There Will Be Blood” was released in 2007.
While acknowledging Day-Lewis’s commanding presence in the film, Tarantino maintained that a stronger actor was needed to balance the dynamic. He clarified that he didn’t consider Dano’s performance “terrible,” but rather a “non-entity.” When pressed by Ellis, Tarantino admitted he has never been a fan of Dano’s work.
Despite Tarantino’s scathing remarks, Dano has enjoyed a successful career and collaborated with acclaimed directors and starred in films such as “The Fabelmans,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “The Batman.” His performance in “There Will Be Blood” even earned him a BAFTA nomination.
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