Washington [US], December 2: More than a decade after her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street, Margot Robbie has revealed that it was her own decision to do the iconic full-frontal nude scene in the film. The moment, which shows her character, Naomi Lapaglia, seducing stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), became one of the most talked-about scenes of the movie.
In a recent interview, Robbie discussed the bold creative decisions she made during the film’s production, including her choice to appear fully nude for the pivotal scene. While director Martin Scorsese had offered her the option of wearing a robe if it made her feel more comfortable, Robbie emphasized that the nudity was her idea.
“The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked—that’s the card she’s playing,” Robbie explained. “That’s not what she would do in that scene if she wasn’t in control.”
Her character’s seductive manipulation of DiCaprio’s Belfort remains one of the film’s most memorable and controversial moments, and Robbie’s choice to embrace nudity aligned with the powerful and calculated nature of Naomi’s character.
Robbie also reflected on a surprising moment during her final audition for the film, which required her to kiss DiCaprio. Instead of going for the kiss, Robbie shocked everyone by slapping him instead.
“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,” she recalled. “And then I thought… nah. And just walloped him in the face.”
The immediate silence after the slap was tense, but it quickly turned into laughter. “Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they said, ‘That was great,'” Robbie said.
Despite their positive reaction, Robbie admitted feeling nervous in the moment. “I was thinking, I’m going to get arrested, I’m pretty sure that’s assault, battery,” she confessed, laughing at herself. “Not only will you never work again, actually you will go to jail for this, you idiot. And also, why did you have to hit him so hard?”
Beyond her on-screen performance, Robbie also played an active role in shaping Naomi’s storyline. She revealed that she suggested a pivotal moment where Naomi and Jordan have one last intimate encounter before she tells him she wants a divorce.
Director Martin Scorsese, known for his open approach to directing, was always willing to discuss and adjust the script. Robbie described the set atmosphere as a creative free-for-all, saying, “The crazier you are, the more Marty will like it. And the more screen time you’re going to get.”
Robbie also recalled that Scorsese rarely gave strict directions, often opting for informal conversations. “I’d sit at video village, and he would tell stories about the Mafia and old film stars, but he didn’t actually give direction,” she said. This collaborative approach allowed Robbie to contribute creatively to her role.
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street was a defining moment in her career, earning critical acclaim and establishing her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2013, became infamous for its high-energy performances and provocative content.