Ten years after its release, The Wolf of Wall Street remains a cinematic force, instantly recognizable for its outrageous depiction of Wall Street excess, Leonardo DiCaprio’s captivating portrayal of Jordan Belfort, and Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction. The film, nominated for five Oscars and Scorsese’s highest-grossing to date, not only cemented its director’s legacy but also served as the breakout moment for Margot Robbie, catapulting her into global stardom before her subsequent success with the billion-dollar blockbuster Barbie.
Since her role as Naomi Lapaglia, the glamorous wife of Jordan Belfort, Robbie, an Australian actress, has become a prominent figure in Hollywood. She’s transitioned into producing, garnered multiple Oscar nominations, and consistently collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers. Her career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. However, the journey of filming The Wolf of Wall Street was not without its challenges for the then-emerging actress. Navigating the complexities of fame and success in the aftermath of the film’s release proved to be a significant learning experience.
From Soap Operas to Scorsese: Robbie’s Audition Gamble
In 2012, Margot Robbie was a rising talent, primarily known for her work in Australian television, including a notable stint on the soap opera Neighbours. While building a steady career, mainstream recognition in Hollywood was still on the horizon. When the opportunity arose to audition for Martin Scorsese’s next project starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie aimed for the role of Naomi, the wife of the morally dubious stockbroker Jordan Belfort.
During her audition, facing the daunting presence of both DiCaprio and Scorsese, Robbie decided to take a risk. In a scene with DiCaprio, instead of simply delivering her lines, she deviated from the script and slapped him across the face. Recalling the moment, Robbie explained, “I hit him in the face. And then I scream, ‘Fuck you!’ And that’s not in the script at all. The room just went dead silent and I froze.” Despite her initial fear that this improvisation might have ruined her chances, it had the opposite effect. Scorsese vividly remembers, “She clinched her part in The Wolf of Wall Street during our first meeting — by hauling off and giving Leonardo DiCaprio a thunderclap of a slap on the face, an improvisation that stunned us all.” This bold move not only demonstrated her commitment to the role but also her understanding of Naomi’s fiery and assertive personality, ultimately securing her the part that would change her career.
Navigating Nerves and Nudity on The Wolf of Wall Street Set
With a substantial $100 million budget, production for The Wolf of Wall Street commenced in August 2012. For Margot Robbie, then 22 years old and with limited film experience, joining a project helmed by cinematic giants like Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese was undoubtedly an intimidating prospect. She openly admitted to experiencing nervousness and self-doubt during filming, particularly concerned about holding her own alongside such established figures. In a 2017 interview with Wonderland Magazine, she confessed, “When I was playing Naomi in The Wolf of Wolf Street, it was so high-tempo sexy. I was acutely aware that the line in the screenplay was ‘the hottest blonde ever.’ I was just terrified that people would see the movie and think, ‘Eugh! She’s not that great.'”
One scene, in particular, caused considerable anxiety for Robbie – a scene requiring full nudity. Facing the vulnerability of exposing herself on camera for a major Hollywood production, especially opposite a global superstar and under the direction of a legendary filmmaker, was a significant challenge. Scorsese, sensitive to her potential discomfort, offered to minimize the nudity. However, Robbie insisted on полное nudity, believing it was crucial to portraying Naomi’s character authentically. Explaining her decision to The Telegraph, Robbie stated, “Her body is her only form of currency in this world. So when Marty was trying to help me out, and said in the scene where she seduces Jordan perhaps I could have a robe on, I said she wouldn’t. She has to be naked.” To manage her on-set jitters before filming the scene, Robbie revealed, “I had a couple of shots of tequila before that scene because I was nervous – very, very nervous.” This anecdote highlights not only the pressure she felt but also her dedication to her craft and her willingness to push boundaries for the sake of authentic character portrayal.
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From Wolf to Barbie and Beyond: Robbie’s Production Powerhouse
The Wolf of Wall Street premiered in theaters on Christmas Day 2013, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. The film’s triumph thrust Margot Robbie into the whirlwind of international fame and recognition. However, this sudden immersion into the global spotlight had its downsides. The intense scrutiny and rapid fame negatively impacted the actress, even causing her to question her career path. Leading up to the release of Babylon in 2022, Robbie shared with Vanity Fair, “Something was happening in those early stages, and it was all pretty awful, and I remember saying to my mom, ‘I don’t think I want to do this.’ And she just looked at me, completely straight-faced, and was like, ‘Darling, I think it’s too late not to.’”
Despite these early struggles with fame, Margot Robbie not only navigated the challenges but thrived, establishing herself as a significant force both on and off-screen. In 2014, she co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment, a production company based in Los Angeles committed to championing female-driven stories in film and television. Robbie articulated the company’s mission: “We wanted to expand what female stories and female storytellers could do in this industry, and I don’t need to be on-screen for that to happen.”
Alongside her partners Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, and Sophia Kerr, LuckyChap Entertainment has produced a diverse and critically acclaimed slate of projects. Their filmography includes I, Tonya, Birds of Prey, the Oscar-winning Promising Young Woman, the global phenomenon Barbie, and the provocative Saltburn. They have also ventured into television production with series like Dollface, Maid, and Mike. Through LuckyChap, Margot Robbie has solidified her influence in Hollywood, not just as a celebrated actress but also as a producer actively shaping the industry and amplifying female voices. With her career continuing to flourish, Margot Robbie’s journey from a bold audition slap to a production powerhouse is a testament to her talent, determination, and lasting impact on the entertainment world.
The Wolf of Wall Street is currently available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
