When Margot Robbie walked into the audition room for Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street,” she knew she had to do something bold to stand out.
Little did she know that her impromptu decision to slap Leonardo DiCaprio across the face would not only stun the room but also secure her the role that would launch her Hollywood career.
Robbie, who had previously been known for her role on the Australian soap opera “Neighbours,” was determined to make an impression during her audition for the part of Naomi Lapaglia, the seductive wife of the film’s protagonist, Jordan Belfort.
As she faced off against DiCaprio, Robbie found herself struggling to keep up with his intense improvisation.
“In my head, I was like, ‘You have literally 30 seconds left in this room, and if you don’t do something impressive, nothing will ever come of it.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, just take it,’” Robbie recalled in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar.
As the scene escalated, with Robbie and DiCaprio screaming at each other, the actor ended the improvisation by telling Robbie, “You should be happy to have a husband like me. Now get over here and kiss me.”
In that moment, Robbie had a split-second decision to make. “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?’” Robbie shared.
“But another part of my brain clicks, and I just go, Whack! I hit him in the face.
“And then I scream, ‘F*** you!’ And that’s not in the script at all.”
The room fell silent, and Robbie froze, thinking she had just ruined her chances and might even face legal consequences.
“I’m thinking, ‘You just hit Leonardo DiCaprio in the face. They’re going to arrest you because that’s assault,’” she admitted.
However, to her surprise, Scorsese and DiCaprio burst out laughing.
“Marty says, ‘That was great!’ Leo’s like, ‘Hit me again!’” Robbie recounted.
The director later praised Robbie’s audition, saying, “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.”
Robbie’s bold move paid off, and she landed the role that would propel her to stardom.
Her performance in “The Wolf of Wall Street” garnered critical acclaim and opened doors to a plethora of high-profile projects, including collaborations with renowned directors like Quentin Tarantino, Greta Gerwig, James Gunn, and Damien Chazelle.
Since then, Robbie has proven herself to be a versatile actress, seamlessly transitioning between mainstream blockbusters and independent films.
She has received praise for her performances in movies like “I, Tonya” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” while also becoming a cultural icon for her portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe.
As Robbie continues to take on challenging roles and work with some of the most respected names in the industry, it’s clear that her fearless attitude and willingness to take risks have been key to her success.
Her upcoming projects, including Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” are highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
Looking back on that fateful audition, Robbie’s decision to slap DiCaprio may have seemed like a risky move, but it ultimately showcased her boldness, creativity, and commitment to her craft – qualities that have defined her career ever since.
As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, it’s evident that Margot Robbie’s star power shows no signs of dimming anytime soon.
