During a recent interview with GQ, George Clooney responded bluntly to comments made by Quentin Tarantino, telling the director to “f**k off, dude.” Clooney’s irritation stems from a previous interview where Tarantino reportedly questioned Clooney’s status as a movie star. According to Clooney, Tarantino dismissed him by suggesting that he hadn’t starred in any significant films since the millennium, a statement that Clooney found particularly offensive, as it encompasses the majority of his career.
Clooney, who was promoting his upcoming film Wolfs alongside co-star Brad Pitt, expressed frustration over being overlooked by Tarantino, especially when Tarantino named Pitt and another actor as movie stars but excluded Clooney. Clooney emphasized that his career has flourished significantly since 2000, making Tarantino’s remarks even more irksome. Despite his harsh words, Clooney acknowledged that he feels fortunate to have worked with great directors, including Tarantino, with whom he co-starred in the 1996 film From Dusk Till Dawn.
In response, Brad Pitt, who has worked with Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, both of which cemented his status as a top-tier actor, tried to soften the tension by complimenting Tarantino’s performance in From Dusk Till Dawn. However, Clooney remained less enthusiastic, hedging his praise by saying Tarantino was “OK” in the role.
Tarantino has previously spoken highly of Pitt, calling him “one of the last remaining big-screen movie stars” and likening him to Hollywood legends such as Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Steve McQueen. This high praise contrasts sharply with his dismissive comments about Clooney, further fueling Clooney’s frustration. The exchange highlights the complexities of Hollywood’s inner circle, where even the most successful actors and directors occasionally clash over their perceived contributions to the industry.
