Margot Robbie’s role in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street really goes to show her unparalleled ability to command the screen in a way only she can. But if fans were to revisit the role and delve into its history and things that went behind the scenes, it’s intriguing to note that Don’t Worry Darling star Olivia Wilde, once revealed that she too competed for the same role.
Shockingly, Wilde was indeed in contention before being deemed “too old” for the part, leaving her with a deep yearning for what could have been. Despite her desire, losing the role to Robbie did not create ill feelings between the two, since Wilde claimed she completely detached herself from the character emotionally. However, everything ultimately worked out, as Scorsese later booked Wilde for his drama series Vinyl.
Olivia Wilde Completely Detached Herself from a Role After Losing it to Margot Robbie!
Bagging a Martin Scorsese film is a dream job for any Hollywood actor. And for someone who is both an actor and a director, it’s like hitting the jackpot, given the opportunity to both perform and experience Scorsese’s unique vision firsthand. Therefore, it was truly a dream come true for Olivia Wilde when she landed a role in the drama series Vinyl, which Scorsese not only executive produced but also directed some parts of.
However, Wilde revealed that she didn’t have to audition to secure the role in Vinyl, having already auditioned for The Wolf of Wall Street. While she didn’t specify which exact part she auditioned for, speculation points to Margot Robbie‘s role in the film. In a conversation with The Howard Stern Show, she revealed what she felt after losing out on the role, she said,
“I have some ability to cut off emotionally — the second I don’t get a role, it’s dead to me.”
Moreover, she reflects on the sequence of events with gratitude, recognizing that what initially seemed like a missed opportunity ultimately paved the way for her role in Vinyl. She said,
“It shows that if you don’t get something — job interview, whatever you do for a living — it might lead to something else.”
This goes to show that she indeed left a lasting impression on the director during her previous auditions. The fact that he later extended an offer for Vinyl indicates that she was indeed a noteworthy contender.
Why Olivia Wilde Was Rejected for The Wolf of Wall Street Role?
But as a strong competitor, what could she have done differently to secure that role? When asked if she had ever been denied a role because she was “too beautiful,” the actress recounted her experience, emphasizing the complexities of casting decisions in Hollywood. She said,
“The funniest thing I heard recently was I had heard for a part that I was too sophisticated. And I was like, ‘Oh, that sounds nice.’ I like that feedback. I didn’t get the part, but I’m a very sophisticated person. And then I found out later that they actually said ‘old.’ I want to make a translation sheet for Hollywood that’s all the feedback your agents give you and what it really means.”
However, while she didn’t disclose the movie’s name or name any individuals initially, in a bombshell revelation later in the conversation, she clarified that it was, in fact, The Wolf of Wall Street she was referring to, stating, “That’s the one I was too old for.”
Without specifying whether it pertained to the role of Teresa Petrillo, portrayed by Cristin Milioti, or the character Naomi Lapaglia, embodied by Margot Robbie, she left the details out for the fans to speculate. However, considering the relevance of age in the discussion, many presume it was Robbie’s role she initially pursued.
The Wolf of Wall Street is currently available on Paramount+ to stream.
