The Wolf of Wall Street marked a significant turning point in Leonardo DiCaprio's career, as he ventured into uncharted territory and delivered an exceptional performance. However, amidst DiCaprio's spotlight, Margot Robbie, who was only 22 at the time, managed to hold her own and shine brightly in Martin Scorsese's crime comedy masterpiece.
Over the years, Robbie has established herself as one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, continuously adding acclaimed films to her repertoire. Her most recent project, Barbie, further solidifies her status. Nevertheless, it was her role in The Wolf of Wall Street that propelled her to new heights.
In one particularly iconic scene, Robbie refused to wear a bathrobe and opted instead to appear completely nude at the doorway, donning only thigh-high stockings. This decision was critical to portraying her character's reliance on her body as her chief asset in that world.
Initially, director Martin Scorsese had suggested Robbie wear a robe for the scene, but she firmly insisted on being fully exposed. In an interview with The Telegraph, Robbie explained her reasoning, stating that any other approach would not have done justice to the narrative.
She believed that her character, Naomi, needed to lay out her cards on the table.
Although Robbie was brave enough to make this challenging decision in order to ensure the scene's authenticity, she did have concerns. She had to invent stories and lie to her parents about her nudity in the film. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Robbie admitted that she had deceived her family, assuring them that there was no nudity in The Wolf of Wall Street. As the film's release approached, her lie evolved into claiming that her body was replaced by CGI and a body double's head was superimposed onto her.
While The Wolf of Wall Street might not have been suitable for Robbie's parents, it undeniably demonstrated her talent as an actress. She fearlessly held her own against industry veterans, proving that she could thrive even in such esteemed company. The film continues to be a testament to her skills.
The Wolf of Wall Street can be streamed on Paramount Plus.