Matthew Lillard calls Tarantino’s criticism ‘humbling’ after viral remark

Matthew Lillard has responded to Quentin Tarantino’s recent criticism of his acting, admitting the comment was “humbling” and that it hurt.

The 55-year-old actor addressed the issue while appearing at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, December 6, after Tarantino said on the December 2 episode of the Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, “I do not care for Matthew Lillard.”

“Quentin Tarantino this week said he did not like me as an actor,” Lillard told the audience, triggering loud boos. “Yeah, whatever. Who gives a s—,” he added, before turning serious. “The point is that it hurts your feelings. It f—— sucks.”

He suggested such criticism is rarely aimed at Hollywood’s biggest stars.

“You would not say that to Tom Cruise,” Lillard said. “You would not say that to somebody who is a top-line actor in Hollywood.”

Lillard also acknowledged the contrast between his fan support and his industry standing.

“I am very popular in this room, but I am not very popular in Hollywood,” he said. “Two totally different microcosms. It is humbling, and it hurts.”

An audience member later shouted, “We love you,” prompting Lillard to smile and reply, “Thank you.”

During the same podcast, Tarantino also criticised other actors, calling Paul Dano “the weakest male actor in SAG” while discussing There Will Be Blood and saying he “really cannot stand” Owen Wilson.

Lillard is best known for his roles in Scream, Scooby-Doo, The Descendants and Five Nights at Freddy’s. He is set to return in Scream 7, due for release on February 27.

He recently admitted he was nervous about revisiting his character.

“At this point in my life, the only thing I can do is ruin how people consider Stu,” he said. “If I come back and I suck or I am lame, that would be terrible. I hope people like it.”