The film industry has united in support of Paul Dano following controversial remarks from director Quentin Tarantino. The Batman Part II screenwriter Mattson Tomlin led the defense, joined by director Matt Reeves and numerous Hollywood figures.

Batman Controversy Explained

Tarantino sparked backlash during his appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, where he discussed his top films of the 21st century. While praising There Will Be Blood, he criticized Dano’s performance opposite Daniel Day-Lewis, claiming the actor was a major weakness in an otherwise exceptional film.

Key Details	Information
Criticized Role	Eli Sunday in There Will Be Blood (2007)
Defender	Mattson Tomlin (The Batman Part II writer)
Support From	Matt Reeves, Simu Liu, Ben Stiller, Alec Baldwin
Dano’s Batman Role	The Riddler in The Batman (2022)

Hollywood Unites Behind Dano

Tomlin praised Dano as both a terrific actor and an astonishing director who shows control and empathy, encouraging fans to watch Dano’s directorial work Wildlife.

Matt Reeves, who directed Dano in The Batman, publicly declared him “an incredible actor, and an incredible person.” Marvel star Simu Liu joined the chorus, while Dillon Freasier—Dano’s child co-star from There Will Be Blood—defended the film as perfect with everyone ideally cast.

Why This Matters for The Batman Part II

Dano delivered a critically acclaimed performance as The Riddler in 2022’s The Batman. While his return for the sequel hasn’t been confirmed, the overwhelming industry support demonstrates his value to the franchise. With Scarlett Johansson reportedly in talks for a major role alongside Robert Pattinson, The Batman Part II continues building momentum.

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FAQs

Will Paul Dano return as The Riddler in The Batman Part II?

While not officially confirmed, Dano’s character survived the first film, leaving the door open for his return. The film releases October 1, 2027.

What other acclaimed roles has Paul Dano played?

Beyond The Riddler, Dano earned recognition for Little Miss Sunshine (2006), There Will Be Blood (2007), and The Fabelmans (2022), showcasing his versatility across genres.