Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances, has recently shed light on a pivotal moment in her career – the full frontal nudity scene in the blockbuster film, The Wolf of Wall Street. In a revealing interview, Robbie, now 34, discussed how she championed the nudity as essential to her character, Naomi Lapaglia, and even rejected the offer of a robe from director Martin Scorsese. This decision, made when she was just 21, underscores Robbie’s early commitment to authentic portrayal and her deep understanding of the character’s motivations within the high-stakes world of Wall Street.
Margot Robbie at an event, showcasing her confident persona.
Speaking on the “Talking Pictures” podcast, Margot Robbie recounted her conversation with the legendary director Martin Scorsese about the scene. Scorsese, sensitive to the potential discomfort, suggested a robe as an option. However, Robbie firmly believed that Naomi, a character defined by her confidence and manipulative charm within the opulent yet morally ambiguous realm of Wolf of Wall Street, would not opt for modesty in such a moment. “[Director Martin Scorsese] said, ‘Maybe you can be wearing a robe if you’re not comfortable.’ And I was like, ‘That is not what she would do in that scene. She would not put a robe on,’” Robbie stated emphatically. She elaborated, “The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked. That’s the card she’s playing right now.”
This anecdote reveals Robbie’s insightful approach to character development, even at a young age. Her insistence on the nudity wasn’t about sensationalism, but rather a calculated choice to embody Naomi’s persona fully. It was about conveying the character’s power dynamics and her fearless approach to using her sexuality as leverage in the cutthroat environment depicted in Wolf of Wall Street.
However, Robbie also confessed to a moment of realization after filming the scene. While initially focused on embodying the character, the sheer scale of the movie’s reach and the personal implications of such exposure dawned on her later. “I think my bigger concerns weren’t even, ‘How did I come across as an actor?’ [But moreso] of, like, ‘Oh gosh, everyone is going to see this,’ and I hadn’t really appreciated that until that point,” Margot Robbie admitted, highlighting the vulnerability that even confident actors face when confronting the global audience of a major film like Wolf of Wall Street.
Margot Robbie and Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street, portraying Naomi and Jordan's intense relationship.
Beyond the nudity scene, Robbie shared another memorable story from her Wolf of Wall Street audition, showcasing her boldness and quick thinking. During her audition with Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed the infamous Jordan Belfort, Robbie improvised a slap to DiCaprio’s face. This unexpected move, initially born from a playful thought of kissing DiCaprio, turned into a decisive action that impressed both Scorsese and DiCaprio.
“In my head I was like, ‘I could totally kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, that would be awesome. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends this.’ And then I was like, ‘Nah.’ And walloped him in the face,” Robbie recounted with amusement. The reaction was initially stunned silence, followed by uproarious laughter from DiCaprio and Scorsese. “Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they were like, ‘That was great. Do it again.’” This audition anecdote not only secured her the role but also demonstrated her willingness to take risks and her dynamic on-screen chemistry with DiCaprio, crucial for portraying the tumultuous relationship between Naomi and Jordan in Wolf of Wall Street.
Reflecting on working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street, Margot Robbie praised his unparalleled acting prowess and the intense energy he brought to the set. She described the experience as a constant push to elevate her own performance, emphasizing DiCaprio’s immersive approach. “When you’re acting across from Leo, it is so clear that he could do your part, his part, everyone’s part. It’s kind of like, ‘Keep up with me or I’ll just go and I’ll go and go and go,’” she explained. This collaborative yet competitive environment, fueled by both DiCaprio’s intensity and Scorsese’s direction, contributed to the electrifying and unforgettable performances that define Wolf of Wall Street and cemented Margot Robbie’s status as a rising star.
In conclusion, Margot Robbie’s reflections on The Wolf of Wall Street provide valuable insights into her dedication to her craft and her fearless approach to challenging roles. Her insistence on the full frontal nudity scene, her improvisational audition slap, and her dynamic with Leonardo DiCaprio all highlight a young actress determined to make a significant impact. Wolf of Wall Street not only became a critical and commercial success but also served as a launching pad for Margot Robbie’s stellar career, proving her instincts about character and performance were as sharp as the wolves of Wall Street themselves.
