Margot Robbie's career has skyrocketed through the years, especially following her recent massive success with the blockbuster film Barbie. Released in 2023, this film grossed over $1.446 billion globally and continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
Robbie, who hails from Australia, made her mark on the international stage with her supporting role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street. Her portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia not only showcased her acting chops but also set the tone for her future endeavors, leading her to be nominated for three Oscars. The nominations include one for producing and two for acting—one each for her work in 2017's I, Tonya and 2019's Bombshell.
Aside from Barbie becoming a cultural phenomenon, Robbie has been part of several films performing well at the box office. This includes her iconic role as Harley Quinn in the 2016 DC Comics film Suicide Squad, which garnered $749.2 million against its $175 million budget. Other notable projects include the sequel The Suicide Squad, Focus, and Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. Robbie's versatility allows her to transition between glamorous roles and more serious dramatic parts, establishing her as one of Hollywood's A-list actresses.
Robbie's path to fame wasn’t always straightforward. During the promotion of her movie Babylon, she opened up about her early days after moving to the United States back in 2011. At the time, she starred on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, preparing for the transition by honing her American accent, which helped her take on roles more easily. Despite the fierce competition, Robbie managed to carve out her niche, rising from early struggles to significant acclaim.
Her standout audition for The Wolf of Wall Street serves as a playful example of her unconventional approach to acting. During her audition with DiCaprio, instead of following the scripted direction, she decided to slap him, resulting in laughter from both DiCaprio and Scorsese. Joking about the moment, Robbie recalls thinking, “I just walloped him in the face.” This spontaneous decision paid off, leading her to secure the role without hesitation and kick-start her vibrant career.
While Babylon faced mixed reactions upon its release, Robbie remains fond of the project. She has publicly expressed her bewilderment at the film's harsh criticism, stating, “I still love the film.” The film, directed by Damien Chazelle, had themes exploring the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age but struggled to connect with audiences upon initial release. Nonetheless, the increasing acceptance of the film over time proves Robbie's ability not only to navigate but also to influence the industry positively.
Now, as we witness the Netflix success of Barbie, which recently landed at No. 6 on their Top 10 most-viewed movies chart, Robbie's prospects continue to look brighter. The film's combination of brilliant satire and nostalgia has captivated viewers far and wide. It was produced by Robbie alongside director Greta Gerwig, whose work has gained both widespread acknowledgment and several Oscar nominations. Although they were not nominated for Best Director and Best Actress respectively, the film received significant recognition, winning one Oscar for its original song "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.
The continuous streaming achievements of Barbie strengthen the chances of potential sequels. While plans for Barbie 2 are still only being whispered about, the overall success could accelerate the project considerably, ensuring Robbie remains at the forefront of Hollywood.
Amid these successes, Robbie welcomes the challenges and excitement of motherhood, having recently had her first child with her partner Tom Ackerly. Despite the new responsibilities, she remains committed to her career and is set to star alongside Ryan Gosling once again. They will collaborate on the project tentatively titled My Old Ass, showcasing their seamless on-screen chemistry yet again.
Looking to the future, Robbie’s upcoming projects promise to be more significant endeavors, including adaptations of Wuthering Heights and Monopoly. With guidance from proud mentors like Martin Scorsese, it’s clear she has built not only a flourishing career but also significant lasting relationships within the industry.
Margot Robbie’s remarkable rise from Australian soap opera star to Hollywood icon serves as encouragement to aspiring actors everywhere. With her distinct style, versatility, and unyielding determination to continue to explore various roles, it’s no wonder she is establishing herself as one of the defining figures of contemporary cinema. Both her past achievements and promising future affirm her leading position, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next cinematic ventures.