Margot Robbie recently shared insights about her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street during an appearance on the “Talking Pictures” podcast with TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz. Robbie, who played Naomi Lapaglia, the bold and no-nonsense wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort, revealed that her full-frontal nudity in the film was entirely her decision. Her director, the legendary Martin Scorsese, had offered her an alternative, suggesting she could wear a robe if she was uncomfortable, but Robbie declined. At the time, she was in her early 20s and hadn’t fully considered the implications of the scene or how it would be received by audiences.
“[Scorsese] said, ‘Maybe you can be wearing a robe if you’re not comfortable,’” Robbie recalled. However, she felt that her character wouldn’t shy away from such a bold moment. “That’s not what she would do in that scene,” Robbie explained. “The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked—that’s the card she’s playing right now.”
Robbie’s approach to Naomi was to embrace the character’s audacity and confidence, even if it meant stepping far outside her own comfort zone. Her decision to appear nude wasn’t just a performance choice; it was a statement about who Naomi was—a woman unafraid to wield her sexuality as a tool of power.
A Transformative Role
The role of Naomi Lapaglia marked a significant milestone in Robbie’s career, catapulting her to international stardom. Prior to The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie had a smaller supporting role in the romantic drama About Time (2013), but her portrayal of Naomi showcased her ability to command the screen alongside industry heavyweights like DiCaprio and Scorsese. Reflecting on the experience, Robbie admitted she wasn’t entirely prepared for the attention and scrutiny that would follow her bold performance.
Throughout the filming process, Robbie demonstrated an instinctive understanding of her character and the story’s dynamics. In one memorable instance, she decided to take a risk during her audition scene with DiCaprio. The scripted scene ended with their characters sharing a kiss, but Robbie chose a different path.
“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,’” Robbie said with a laugh. “And then I thought, nah. And just walloped him in the face.”
The impromptu slap left the room in stunned silence for a few moments, which Robbie described as feeling like an eternity. Then, laughter erupted. “Leo and Marty were laughing so hard,” she remembered. “They said, ‘That was great.’”
Taking Risks and Leaving an Impression
Robbie admitted that her bold choice in the audition was a gamble. “I was thinking, ‘I’m going to get arrested. I’m pretty sure that’s assault or battery. Not only will you never work again, but you’ll actually go to jail for this, you idiot.’” Despite her worries, the slap landed her the part and made a lasting impression on the filmmakers.
The anecdote reflects Robbie’s willingness to take risks to bring authenticity to her performances, a quality that has defined her career. “Why did you have to hit him so hard?” she joked in hindsight. “You should have done it lighter.”
The Impact of The Wolf of Wall Street
Released in 2013, The Wolf of Wall Street became a critical and commercial success, earning five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for DiCaprio. Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi was widely praised for its energy, wit, and depth, making her a standout in a film filled with larger-than-life performances.
The film also marked the beginning of Robbie’s collaboration with DiCaprio. Six years later, the duo reunited in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), further solidifying Robbie’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. Her ability to hold her own alongside DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and other A-list stars in Tarantino’s film highlighted the growth and versatility she had achieved since her debut in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Embracing Challenges
Robbie’s experience on The Wolf of Wall Street was as much about personal growth as it was about professional achievement. The decision to embrace full-frontal nudity and push herself in her audition showcased her commitment to authenticity and her willingness to challenge societal norms about women’s roles in film.
Her portrayal of Naomi was a defining moment in her career, signaling her arrival as a serious actor capable of tackling complex and provocative roles. The risks she took in both her audition and the film itself paid off, establishing her as a star with an unmistakable presence and a fearless approach to her craft.
For Robbie, the role of Naomi Lapaglia wasn’t just about playing a character; it was about understanding and embodying the motivations, flaws, and strengths of a woman navigating the excess and chaos of Jordan Belfort’s world. It’s this depth and nuance that made Robbie’s performance resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Looking Ahead
Margot Robbie’s star has only continued to rise since her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street. From portraying Harley Quinn in DC’s Suicide Squad franchise to earning critical acclaim for her performances in I, Tonya and Bombshell, Robbie has cemented herself as one of the most versatile and fearless actors of her generation. Her willingness to take risks, both in her choices of roles and her approach to acting, remains a defining feature of her career.
Robbie’s reflections on her time filming The Wolf of Wall Street offer a glimpse into the mindset of an actor unafraid to challenge herself and others to bring authenticity to the screen. Her decision to embrace full-frontal nudity, despite Scorsese’s offer of an alternative, and her bold improvisation in her audition demonstrate a commitment to her craft that has undoubtedly shaped her journey in Hollywood.
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