Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman 2, has come to the defense of actor Paul Dano after Quentin Tarantino criticized Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood. Tarantino labeled Dano as the film's "big, giant flaw" during a podcast, claiming that his performance paled in comparison to Daniel Day-Lewis' Oscar-winning portrayal. The backlash has seen fans and colleagues support Dano, emphasizing his talent as both an actor and a director. Tomlin highlighted Dano's immense skill, encouraged fans to appreciate his directorial work in Wildlife, and noted that the debate over Dano's future as the Riddler remains open as The Batman sequel develops, with speculation about Scarlett Johansson joining the cast in a mystery role.

Was Paul Dano always meant to play both twins in There Will Be Blood?

No, Dano was originally cast only as Paul. He took over the role of Eli just two weeks into filming when the initial actor was let go, resulting in him having very little time to prepare for the additional character.

There Will Be Blood is a critically acclaimed film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, released in 2007. The film features Daniel Day-Lewis in a leading role, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Dano portrayed twin brothers Paul and Eli Sunday, creating a complex dynamic against Day-Lewis’ character, Daniel Plainview, exploring themes of ambition, family, and the oil industry's impact on early 20th-century America. Dano's dual role came as a result of a last-minute casting change, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in a challenging narrative.