In an industry where conformity often leads to success, Margot Robbie’s fearless approach to her audition for Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street not only turned heads but potentially set the stage for her burgeoning career. Over a decade later, the details of that audition still resonate as a pivotal moment for Robbie.
A Moment of Improvisation with Leonardo DiCaprio
It’s been over ten years since the release of The Wolf of Wall Street, yet the behind-the-scenes stories continue to fascinate. In a revealing interview on the Talking Pictures podcast, Margot Robbie recounted the unforgettable audition that could have ended very differently. Reflecting on the experience, Robbie shared that while the script called for a kiss, she impulsively chose to slap Leonardo DiCaprio, playing opposite her as Jordan Belfort.
“I thought, I could kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, and that would be awesome. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends this. And then I thought… nah. And just walloped him in the face,” Robbie explained. The room fell silent, leaving Robbie momentarily fearful of repercussions, including potential legal consequences. “It was dead silence for what felt like an eternity but was probably three seconds. Then they just burst out laughing. Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they said ‘that was great.’ I was thinking, I’m going to get arrested, I’m pretty sure that’s assault, battery.”
This bold move, far from ending her chances, actually sealed her fate positively, as both DiCaprio and Scorsese appreciated her audacity, leading to her iconic role as Naomi Lapaglia.
Commitment to Character Authenticity
Margot Robbie’s dedication to her character, Naomi Lapaglia, extended beyond her daring audition. During the podcast, she detailed her insistence on full-frontal nudity in a pivotal scene, aiming to stay true to Naomi’s manipulative and provocative nature. Scorsese had offered her the option to wear a robe, but Robbie was adamant that her character would be completely exposed:
“That’s not what she would do in that scene. The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely n*ked—that’s the card she’s playing.”
Reflections on Working with Scorsese and DiCaprio
Robbie also took time to reflect on the broader experience of working with cinematic giants like Scorsese and DiCaprio. Beyond the audition, she praised their collaborative approach and how it contributed to her performance, which has been widely acclaimed and was a significant boost to her Hollywood career.
Her candid revelations provide not just a glimpse into the making of The Wolf of Wall Street, but also into the pressures and decisions that shape an actor’s career in Hollywood. Margot Robbie’s recounting of her bold choices during her audition and filming underscores a theme that many aspiring actors face: the balance between risk and authenticity.
A Legacy of Bold Choices
Years after the film’s release, Robbie’s career has flourished, proving that her risk at the audition was well worth it. Her performance in The Wolf of Wall Street remains a testament to her talent and willingness to embrace the unexpected. As she continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, Robbie’s initial gamble serves as a reminder of how bold choices can define and elevate an actor’s career in the competitive world of cinema.
This narrative not only highlights Robbie’s commitment to her craft but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of auditions and the often underappreciated moments that can define an actor’s path. Margot Robbie’s journey from a daring audition to a celebrated career is a vivid chapter in the ever-evolving storybook of Hollywood’s brightest stars.