Margot Robbie is riding high as a lead actress and producer, thanks to the success of Barbie, which grossed $1.4 billion and became the highest-grossing film of 2023. Robbie, who debuted in 2008 with the movie Vigilante, got her breakthrough role in her fourth movie, The Wolf of Wall Street. The film explores the story of former stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who was arrested for corruption and fraud charges.
Robbie starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, playing the role of Naomi Lapaglia, Belfort’s second wife. The Terminal actress managed to secure the role in the Martin Scorsese film despite being a relatively new actress, and there’s a story behind how she clinched the role.
Margot Robbie’s Audition For The Wolf Of Wall Street Left Everyone Stunned
Margot Robbie wanted the role in the Martin Scorsese movie so badly that she made a bold decision that could have ended her career before it even started. The Birds of Prey actress landed the audition but was really nervous about attending it. During the auditions, one of the casting directors sent her back to dress more suitably for Naomi’s character. This only worsened her nerves and led her to believe that only something out of the ordinary could land her the role.
During her screen test, Leonardo DiCaprio was present, and according to Robbie, the Titanic actor was improvising lines and she felt compelled to improvise as well. During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the Focus actress recalled her decision to take that once-in-a-lifetime chance and do something impressive. Robbie told Harper’s Bazaar:
“And he ends it saying, ‘You should be happy to have a husband like me. Now get over here and kiss me.’ So I walk up really close to his face and then I’m like, ‘Maybe I should kiss him. When else am I ever going to get a chance to kiss Leo DiCaprio, ever?’ But another part of my brain clicks and I just go, Whack! I hit him in the face. And then I scream, ‘F**k you!’ And that’s not in the script at all. The room just went dead silent and I froze.”
The I, Tonya actress feared that her decision to slap DiCaprio might kick her off from the auditions, or worse, she could be charged with assault. However, nothing of the sort happened, and Robbie was cast in the role for her split-second decision.
Martin Scorsese Was More Than Impressed With Margot Robbie’s Daring Act
Martin Scorsese was asked about Margot Robbie during an interview with Time Magazine. The Departed director remembered her audition and used it to describe the actress. Scorsese drew comparisons between Robbie and legendary talents like Carole Lombard, Joan Crawford, and Ida Lupino.
The Aviator director shared that the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actress possessed an “all-bets-off feistiness” and “emotional daring”, evident in her impressive audition. The Taxi Driver director told Time:
“Margot has all this in addition to a unique audacity that surprises and challenges and just burns like a brand into every character she plays. 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.”
However, her breakout role proved to be overwhelming for the Suicide Squad actress. Her nerves continued throughout the production, and once the film was released she struggled to handle the sudden fame. The Babylon actress had severe body image issues due to the paparazzi’s comments, even forcing her to contemplate quitting acting.
As it turns out, the Bombshell actress is now one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. Robbie continues to support women in the industry, especially through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainments, which focuses on female-centric films. The Wolf of Wall Street is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
Source: Harper’s Bazaar Time
