Margot Robbie Says Full Frontal ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Nude Scene Was Her Idea
Margot Robbie starred in the 2013 ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ (Appian Way/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Margot Robbie has revealed that the full-frontal nude scene in The Wolf of Wall Street was entirely her idea, highlighting her commitment to portraying the character authentically. The scene, which famously unfolded as her character, Naomi Lapaglia, tried to seduce Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort, was pivotal in establishing the character’s dynamic power, assertiveness, and the kind of fearless confidence that made Naomi such a memorable presence throughout the film.
During a recent appearance on the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie shared that her decision was driven by her deep understanding of Naomi's motivations and personality. “That’s not what she would do in that scene,” Robbie explained, describing why she chose to appear nude instead of wearing a robe. According to Robbie, director Martin Scorsese offered her the option to use a robe for comfort, but she declined, feeling it was inconsistent with Naomi's intentions. “The whole point is that she’s going to come out completely naked—that’s the card she’s playing,” Robbie elaborated. Her choice to go fully nude in the scene was not about shock value, but rather about staying true to Naomi’s character—a woman who uses her sexuality as a powerful tool to gain control in a male-dominated environment. Robbie's dedication to authenticity helped shape one of the film's most iconic and memorable moments, adding a layer of complexity to Naomi’s character that resonated with audiences.
Robbie also opened up about her audition with Leonardo DiCaprio, sharing an interesting behind-the-scenes anecdote that perfectly captured her fearless approach to the role. “I thought, I could kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, and that would be awesome,” Robbie recalled, but instead, she chose to make a bold move that would set her apart. “I can’t wait to tell all of my friends this. And then I thought… nah. And just walloped him in the face.” Robbie noted that the unexpected move created a real, authentic moment in the room. “It was dead silence for what felt like an eternity but was probably three seconds,” Robbie continued. “Then they just burst out laughing. Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they said, ‘That was great.’ I was thinking, I’m going to get arrested, I’m pretty sure that’s assault, battery.” Her bold decision to slap DiCaprio clearly made an impact, demonstrating her willingness to take risks and adding an edge to her performance that contributed to her ultimately landing the role. It was a defining moment that showed both Scorsese and DiCaprio that Robbie was willing to fully commit to the character.
Margot Robbie starred in the 2013 ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ (Appian Way/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Back in 2016, Robbie spoke to Vanity Fair about filming sex scenes for The Wolf of Wall Street, providing further insight into the challenges of shooting such intimate scenes on a major film set. “Actually, I hadn’t done a proper sex scene before,” Robbie revealed at the time. “I’d done scenes where it’s leading into sex or sex has just finished, but I hadn’t done a start-to-finish sex scene like I did in Wolf. That was my first.” This revelation underscored the pressure she felt, not only as an actress relatively new to Hollywood at the time but also in tackling a role that required such vulnerability.
She went on to describe the inherent awkwardness of simulating sex in front of an entire film crew—one of the least glamorous parts of acting. “There isn’t an option,” Robbie said. “It’s just like, This is what you need to do—get on with it. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can stop doing it. It’s so awkward.” Despite the discomfort, Robbie’s professionalism and dedication to her craft shone through. She approached these difficult scenes with a mix of determination and practicality, which helped her deliver a performance that was raw, real, and captivating. Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia was full of nuance, blending vulnerability and confidence seamlessly. The way she navigated the delicate balance between Naomi’s bravado and her underlying insecurities added depth to the character, making her one of the most compelling parts of the film.
Robbie’s decision to appear fully nude was also a turning point for her career, as it signaled her fearlessness as an actress. She wasn’t interested in playing it safe or shying away from difficult roles. Instead, she embraced the complexities and contradictions of Naomi, presenting a character who was both a fierce manipulator and a victim of her own circumstances. This choice resonated with audiences and critics alike, helping to establish Robbie as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
Margot Robbie starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2013 ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ (Appian Way/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Since The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie has gone on to play a wide range of characters, but her role as Naomi remains one of her most iconic performances. It showcased her ability to inhabit a character fully, regardless of the physical or emotional challenges involved. Her commitment to staying true to her character’s motivations, even in challenging and vulnerable scenes, speaks to her dedication as an actress and her desire to bring authenticity to every role she takes on.
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Robbie’s openness about the challenges of filming The Wolf of Wall Street also highlights the realities of working in Hollywood, especially for women. The pressure to perform in such vulnerable situations, often surrounded by dozens of crew members, is immense. Yet Robbie’s ability to power through these moments and deliver a performance that was both strong and nuanced is a testament to her skill and determination. Her candid reflections on these experiences have also made her a role model for aspiring actresses, showing that vulnerability and strength can coexist, both on and off the screen.
Margot Robbie’s journey with The Wolf of Wall Street is a fascinating glimpse into the world of filmmaking, where actors often have to push themselves beyond their comfort zones to bring a character to life. Whether it was her bold decision during the audition or her commitment to portraying Naomi without compromise, Robbie’s choices helped make The Wolf of Wall Street an unforgettable cinematic experience. Her portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia remains a standout, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions and to use her character’s sexuality as both a weapon and a shield. It’s this fearless approach to her craft that has continued to set Robbie apart in her career, making her one of the most compelling and respected actresses of her generation.
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