Margot Robbie’s rise to Hollywood stardom can be traced back to her breakthrough role in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese, the film became a major box office success. However, Robbie’s journey to securing the role of Naomi Lapaglia was not easy. Her bold audition and compelling performance helped solidify her reputation as a rising talent in the industry.
The Audition That Shocked Martin Scorsese
When Robbie auditioned for the role of Naomi, the wife of DiCaprio’s character Jordan Belfort, she knew she had to make a lasting impression. In an interview, she recalled feeling the pressure of standing out among many actresses vying for the part. During her audition, she was instructed to have an argument with DiCaprio. In a spontaneous and daring move, Robbie decided to slap him across the face. Scorsese later described this moment as a key reason she got the role, stating that her confidence and intensity made her the perfect fit (Scorsese, 2013).
Critical and Audience Reception
The Wolf of Wall Street was both a commercial and critical success, grossing over $392 million worldwide. Although the film faced controversy due to its explicit content and depiction of financial corruption, Robbie’s performance was widely praised. Critics noted her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors like DiCaprio and Jonah Hill. Robbie later revealed that filming certain scenes, including the now-iconic seduction sequence, was nerve-wracking, but she committed fully to the role to make an impact (Robbie, 2016).
Impact on Her Career
Following The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie’s career took off. The role led to more significant opportunities, including starring in Focus (2015) alongside Will Smith, Suicide Squad (2016) as Harley Quinn, and I, Tonya (2017), where she earned an Academy Award nomination. Many industry insiders credit her performance in The Wolf of Wall Street as the moment that established her as a major Hollywood star (Kroll, 2019).
Margot Robbie’s bold approach to acting and her fearless audition choice in The Wolf of Wall Street helped her rise to fame. The role not only showcased her talent but also proved that she had the charisma and presence to take on Hollywood’s biggest projects. Looking back, it remains one of the defining moments in her career.
References
- Kroll, J. (2019). Margot Robbie: The making of a Hollywood powerhouse. Vanity Fair. Retrieved from www.vanityfair.com
- Robbie, M. (2016). Behind the scenes of The Wolf of Wall Street. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from www.hollywoodreporter.com
- Scorsese, M. (2013). On casting Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street. Empire Magazine. Retrieved from www.empireonline.com
- Wikimedia Commons contributors. (2017). I, Tonya 04 (37007603622) [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I_Tonya_04_(37007603622).jpg