Can you imagine The Wolf of Wall Street without Margot Robbie? The idea seems absurd now, given how central she became to the film’s unforgettable moments. Yet, in a candid interview, Robbie revealed she genuinely believed her role might be cut from the final version of the movie.

Her performance as Naomi Lapaglia, the fiery and unforgettable wife of Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is widely considered a breakout role that launched her into international stardom. But according to the actress herself, during production, she had doubts that anyone would even remember her character.

Why Margot Robbie Thought She Would Be Cut

Speaking with IMDb, Margot Robbie shared her early concerns about how her scenes might fare in the final cut of the movie. With The Wolf of Wall Street being a chaotic, high-energy, three-hour-long cinematic ride directed by Martin Scorsese, it’s not hard to understand why Robbie had these worries. The film is packed with outrageous sequences, massive ensemble scenes, and an ever-evolving narrative that could have easily swallowed up a lesser role.

In Robbie’s own words:

“I didn’t even see the movie till the night before the premiere. I had no idea if I was cut out… Honest, I’m not saying this to try to be humble or whatever. When we were making the movie, I really didn’t think anyone was going to take notice of me, cause so much happens in the movie.“

That humility, whether intentional or not, reveals just how unsure Robbie was about her future in Hollywood during the filming of The Wolf of Wall Street. At the time, she was still relatively new to American audiences, having gained attention in Australia on shows like Neighbours, but not yet recognized as a global star.

The Editing Process: A Long and Uncertain Journey

Part of Robbie’s anxiety stemmed from how long the editing process took. With legendary editor Thelma Schoonmaker at the helm—Scorsese’s longtime collaborator—the film underwent a lengthy post-production period. Robbie recalls not seeing any footage until right before the film’s premiere. For an actor, especially one early in her career, that kind of uncertainty can be nerve-wracking.

She added:

“So many crazy things happen in the movie that I was like, ‘I’ll just be like a blip on screen. I’ll be there and gone, and there for another thing, and then back again and then gone.’“

That feeling of being lost in the shuffle is common in big ensemble films, and it’s not unusual for actors to find their parts reduced or altered significantly in post-production. For Robbie, the worry was that she might be entirely overshadowed by the film’s nonstop action and larger-than-life characters.

A Scene-Stealing Star After All

Despite her fears, Margot Robbie ended up delivering one of the most memorable performances in The Wolf of Wall Street. Her portrayal of Naomi—equal parts glamour, grit, and attitude—left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike. From her iconic entrance to her emotionally charged confrontations with DiCaprio’s character, Robbie ensured her presence was anything but forgettable.

In fact, many viewers and reviewers singled her out as one of the film’s standout performers. It’s clear in hindsight that Robbie’s talent and on-screen magnetism made her essential to the movie’s overall success. Her role wasn’t just a supporting character—it was pivotal to the emotional arc of Jordan Belfort’s story.

Martin Scorsese Knew What He Had

While Margot Robbie may have been unsure about her performance making the final cut, it’s highly unlikely that Martin Scorsese ever doubted her value to the film. Known for drawing out career-defining performances from his actors, Scorsese clearly recognized Robbie’s potential. The way her scenes are framed, the dramatic tension she brings, and the undeniable chemistry she shares with DiCaprio all point to a role that was never meant to be minor.

Even when Robbie is not in a scene, the audience feels the weight of her character’s influence on the story. That’s the mark of a strong performance—and a director who understands how to use it to maximum effect.

The Impact of The Wolf of Wall Street on Robbie’s Career

After the release of The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013, Margot Robbie’s career trajectory changed forever. Overnight, she went from a rising star to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. The role opened doors to major studio films, franchise opportunities, and even a producing career of her own.

Robbie’s subsequent roles in Suicide Squad, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Barbie cemented her reputation as a versatile and powerful performer. Still, it all began with the film she once feared she wouldn’t even appear in.

This adds a deeper layer of appreciation for her humility and self-doubt. She went into The Wolf of Wall Street thinking she might be “a blip on the screen,” but ended up commanding attention in every scene she appeared in.

Lessons from Robbie’s Experience

Margot Robbie’s uncertainty about her role in The Wolf of Wall Street offers a valuable lesson for aspiring actors and creatives. Even when it feels like the spotlight is elsewhere, or that the project is too big to showcase your talent, believing in your craft can make all the difference. Sometimes, it’s not about how much screen time you get—it’s about what you do with it.

Her experience also highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Even a performance that feels uncertain during filming can turn into a career-defining moment if the right elements come together in post-production.

Looking Back: A Role That Changed Everything

Years later, it’s fascinating to reflect on how close Margot Robbie felt to being cut from the very film that changed her life. What started as a small role in a massive production became the stepping stone for one of the most remarkable acting careers of the decade.

Margot Robbie’s story is a reminder that doubt doesn’t define outcomes. Even when she thought she might be forgotten, she delivered a performance that no one could ignore.

In hindsight, it’s not just difficult to imagine The Wolf of Wall Street without her—it’s nearly impossible. Robbie’s Naomi Lapaglia didn’t just survive the final edit; she became one of the film’s most unforgettable elements. And for Margot Robbie, that was just the beginning.