Margot Robbie’s Career: From ‘ The Wolf of Wall Street’ to ‘Barbie’

Margot Robbie has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and sought-after stars, transitioning from Australian television to global movie stardom with remarkable speed. Her breakout role showcased her captivating screen presence, and she immediately proved she was more than just a new face by actively seeking out complex and challenging characters. She has consistently demonstrated an impressive range, moving seamlessly between blockbuster action films, prestigious period dramas, and edgy independent productions.

Beyond her work in front of the camera, Robbie has also emerged as a significant force as a producer. She co-founded the production company LuckyChap Entertainment, which is dedicated to telling female-focused stories and championing new creative voices. This dual role as both a performer and a producer has allowed her to take greater control of her career path, resulting in a filmography that is both commercially successful and artistically ambitious.

‘I.C.U.’ (2009)

In this early thriller, Margot Robbie plays Tristen Waters, one of a group of teenagers who decide to spy on their neighbors. What begins as a game of voyeurism soon takes a dark turn when they witness what they believe to be a murder. The character is a high school student who finds herself and her friends caught in a dangerous situation they did not anticipate.

The plot unfolds as the group tries to uncover the truth about what they saw while being stalked by a mysterious killer. They must use their wits to survive after they become the targets of the very person they were observing. The film is a contained thriller that focuses on the suspense and paranoia the young characters experience as their innocent prank turns deadly.

‘About Time’ (2013)

Robbie appears in the role of Charlotte, the beautiful and charming first love of the film’s protagonist. The main character discovers he has the ability to travel in time and initially uses his power in an attempt to win her heart over the course of a summer. Charlotte is portrayed as an unattainable figure who ultimately teaches the hero a valuable lesson about love and fate.

Although her character is part of an early storyline, her presence is a key catalyst for the protagonist’s journey. His inability to force a relationship with Charlotte, even with the power of time travel, leads him to understand that some things in life cannot be controlled. This realization sets him on the path to finding his true love and learning how to appreciate the present moment.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

In her international breakout role, Margot Robbie plays Naomi Lapaglia, a stunning model from Brooklyn who captures the attention of a fraudulent stockbroker. She eventually becomes his second wife, entering a world of unimaginable wealth, excess, and corruption. Her character is initially drawn to the power and excitement of his lifestyle.

As the story progresses, Naomi’s life becomes a turbulent cycle of lavish parties and intense marital strife fueled by her husband’s addictions and criminal activities. She is not simply a passive trophy wife but a fiery and formidable character who confronts her husband about his destructive behavior. The role established Robbie as a major new talent with a commanding screen presence.

‘Z for Zachariah’ (2015)

This science fiction drama features Robbie as Ann Burden, a devout young woman who believes she is the sole survivor of a nuclear apocalypse. She has been living an isolated existence on her family’s farm, which is located in a valley that was miraculously spared from the radioactive fallout. Her quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious scientist.

Ann’s faith and worldview are challenged as she forms a complex relationship with the newcomer, and their fragile paradise is further complicated by the appearance of a third survivor. The film is a character-driven story that explores themes of jealousy, faith, and human nature in a post-apocalyptic setting. Ann finds herself at the center of a tense love triangle for the future of humanity.

‘Focus’ (2015)

Robbie stars as Jess Barrett, a small-time grifter who aspires to become a master of the craft. She seeks out a veteran con artist and persuades him to teach her the secrets of the trade. Jess is a quick learner who is charismatic, intelligent, and proves to be a natural at the art of deception. She soon becomes a key part of his elaborate schemes.

The film follows their professional and romantic relationship as they pull off a series of high-stakes cons, from picking pockets in New Orleans to manipulating a high-roller in the world of professional auto racing. The plot is filled with twists and turns, where trust is a liability and no one is ever who they seem. Jess’s character must constantly navigate a world of lies and misdirection.

‘Suite Française’ (2015)

In this World War II romantic drama, Robbie plays Celine Joseph, a French villager living under German occupation. Celine is a tenant on the farm of a woman whose daughter-in-law is the story’s main protagonist. Her character represents the ordinary people trying to survive the hardships and moral compromises of wartime.

Celine’s story is part of a larger narrative that explores the complex relationships between the French townspeople and the German soldiers who are billeted in their homes. The film depicts the tensions, forbidden romances, and acts of resistance that arise in the occupied town, with Celine’s experiences highlighting the daily struggles and dangers faced by the local population.

‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’ (2016)

Robbie portrays Tanya Vanderpoel, a seasoned and fearless British television journalist covering the war in Afghanistan. She befriends a newly arrived American cable news producer and shows her the ropes of reporting from a conflict zone. Tanya is a confident and adventurous correspondent who is accustomed to the chaotic lifestyle of war reporters.

Her character serves as both a friend and a rival to the protagonist, embodying the thrill-seeking nature of many journalists who are drawn to the adrenaline of war. The film is a dark comedy and drama that explores the bizarre and often absurd reality of life for the international press corps in Kabul, with Tanya representing the seasoned veteran of that world.

‘The Legend of Tarzan’ (2016)

In this adventure film, Robbie takes on the role of Jane Clayton. The story finds her living in Victorian England, married to the man once known as Tarzan. She is a strong-willed, intelligent, and independent character who is far from a traditional damsel in distress. When she and her husband are lured back to the Congo, she becomes a pawn in a dangerous plot.

After being captured by a corrupt Belgian envoy, Jane uses her wits and her deep knowledge of the Congo to survive and resist her captors. She is not a passive victim waiting to be rescued but an active participant in her own story. The film emphasizes her bravery and her strong connection to both her husband and the African people she grew up with.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Margot Robbie debuted her iconic portrayal of Harley Quinn in this comic book blockbuster. Formerly Dr. Harleen Quinzel, she was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum who fell in love with a criminally insane patient and became his partner in crime. The character is unpredictable, dangerously unhinged, and gleefully chaotic, but also surprisingly resilient.

The film sees Harley Quinn being forcibly recruited into a secret government task force of incarcerated supervillains. They are sent on a high-risk mission in exchange for clemency. Harley’s anarchic energy and acrobatic fighting style make her a standout member of the squad as she navigates the mission while dealing with her own twisted sense of morality and love.

‘I, Tonya’ (2017)

Robbie gives a transformative performance as the controversial figure skater Tonya Harding. She also served as a producer on the film. The movie chronicles Harding’s life from her difficult childhood and rise in the figure skating world to the infamous 1994 attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan. The character is portrayed as a talented and powerful athlete from the wrong side of the tracks.

The film uses a darkly comedic and mockumentary style to tell the conflicting and often contradictory versions of the story from the perspectives of the main characters. It explores themes of class in America, media sensationalism, and the cycle of abuse. Robbie’s portrayal captures Harding’s raw athleticism, fierce ambition, and the tragic circumstances that defined her legacy.

‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ (2017)

In this biographical drama, Robbie plays Daphne Milne, the wife of Winnie-the-Pooh author A. A. Milne. Her character is a socialite who enjoys the vibrant London lifestyle of the 1920s. After her husband returns from World War I suffering from shell shock, she struggles to adapt to their new, quieter life in the countryside.

Daphne is initially shown as a loving but somewhat distant mother to her son, Christopher Robin, whose imaginative play with his stuffed animals inspires his father’s famous books. The film explores the complex family dynamics and the unexpected consequences of the books’ immense success, which thrusts the young boy into the public spotlight and strains his relationship with his parents.

‘Peter Rabbit’ (2018)

Robbie lends her voice to the character of Flopsy, one of Peter Rabbit’s three younger sisters. She also serves as the film’s warm and witty narrator. Flopsy is depicted with a comical lisp and is part of the close-knit rabbit family that enjoys raiding the vegetable garden of their grumpy neighbor. The character is a sweet and supportive sister to the mischievous Peter.

The story follows the escalating feud between Peter Rabbit and the man who inherits the garden, especially as they both compete for the affections of a kind-hearted local artist. As the narrator, Robbie’s voice guides the audience through the chaotic and humorous adventures of the beloved characters created by Beatrix Potter, adding a charming and modern touch to the classic tales.

‘Terminal’ (2018)

In this stylish neo-noir thriller, Robbie plays Annie, a mysterious and manipulative woman at the center of a tangled web of crime. She also produced the film. Her character takes on various disguises as she interacts with two hitmen, a fatally ill teacher, and a strange janitor, all of whom are connected to a shadowy mastermind seeking revenge.

Annie is a classic femme fatale who uses her intelligence and charm to control everyone around her, setting them against each other to achieve her own secret objectives. The film is a dark and twisted story of vengeance, with Robbie’s character serving as the enigmatic and deadly puppet master orchestrating the entire plot from the shadows.

‘Mary Queen of Scots’ (2018)

Robbie underwent a significant physical transformation to portray Queen Elizabeth I of England. The film focuses on the turbulent relationship and political rivalry between Elizabeth and her cousin, Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scotland. Her character is shown as a powerful and intelligent monarch who is forced to navigate a male-dominated court.

The film depicts Elizabeth’s struggle to maintain her authority as an unmarried female ruler, a position that is constantly threatened by plots and the question of succession. She is a calculating and formidable politician, but the role also explores the personal sacrifices she made for her crown, including her decision to never marry, and the emotional toll of her rivalry with Mary.

‘Dreamland’ (2019)

Robbie stars as Allison Wells, a fugitive bank robber in 1930s Texas, in this film that she also produced. Her character is wounded and hiding out in a small town when she is discovered by a young man in his family’s barn. Allison is a charismatic and manipulative woman who promises the young man a large reward if he helps her escape.

She forms a complicated bond with the boy, who becomes captivated by her and torn between turning her in for the bounty and helping her get away. The film is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Dust Bowl, exploring themes of fantasy and escape as the young protagonist is drawn into Allison’s dangerous world.

‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)

In this film, Margot Robbie portrays the real-life actress Sharon Tate. The story is set in 1969 Los Angeles during the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age. Her character is depicted as a rising star who is full of life, joy, and optimism. She is shown enjoying her new marriage and her successful career in the days leading up to the infamous Tate murders.

Rather than focusing on her tragic end, the film celebrates her life and presents her as a symbol of the era’s innocence and hope. She is seen going to movie premieres, dancing at parties, and delighting in seeing her own film in a public theater. The character serves as a bright and gentle presence in the story, representing the vibrant spirit of the time.

‘Bombshell’ (2019)

Robbie plays Kayla Pospisil, a fictional character who represents a composite of real women’s experiences. Kayla is an ambitious young evangelical woman who gets her dream job working at a major cable news network. She is eager to move up the ladder and become an on-air personality, but she soon finds herself facing the toxic and predatory culture at the network.

Her storyline is one of three that follows the women who set out to expose the network’s powerful CEO for sexual harassment. Kayla’s journey depicts the difficult and often compromising situations that young women were forced into, and her decision to speak out becomes a pivotal moment in the larger story. The role highlights the emotional turmoil and professional risks involved in confronting systemic abuse.

‘Birds of Prey’ (2020)

Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn in this film, which she also produced. The story picks up after Harley’s explosive breakup with her notorious ex-boyfriend. Now on her own, she finds herself without his protection and a target for every criminal in Gotham City that she has ever wronged. The character is on a chaotic journey of self-discovery and emancipation.

To save herself, Harley is forced to team up with a group of other formidable women who are also being hunted by a sadistic crime lord. The film is a wild and irreverent action-comedy that fully embraces Harley’s unique first-person perspective. It showcases her journey as she finds a new sense of identity and family while creating mayhem across the city.

‘Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway’ (2021)

Robbie returns as the voice of Flopsy and the film’s narrator in this animated sequel. In this story, Flopsy and her sisters, Mopsy and Cottontail, have embraced their new life with their human friends. However, their brother Peter struggles with his reputation as a troublemaker and runs away from home to find a place where his mischief is appreciated.

Flopsy remains a loyal and sensible member of the rabbit family, becoming concerned when her brother falls in with a shady group of city animals. She and the rest of the family venture out of the garden and into the city to find Peter and bring him home. The character continues to provide a sweet and humorous presence throughout the family-friendly adventure.

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

In this standalone sequel, Robbie once again plays Harley Quinn, who is sent on another mission with the infamous Task Force X. This time, the team of supervillains is dispatched to the remote island nation of Corto Maltese to destroy a secret laboratory. Harley is as delightfully unhinged and unpredictable as ever, finding herself in a variety of wild situations.

Separated from the main squad early on, Harley has her own bizarre adventure involving the island’s handsome dictator and a group of freedom fighters. She eventually rejoins the team for the chaotic final battle against a giant alien threat. Her character remains a scene-stealing force of nature, showcasing both her combat skills and her uniquely cheerful brand of mayhem.

‘Amsterdam’ (2022)

Robbie stars as Valerie Voze, a creative and enigmatic nurse who befriends two American soldiers during World War I. The trio forms a deep and unconventional friendship in Amsterdam after the war, vowing to always protect each other. Valerie is an artist who turns shrapnel removed from soldiers into surrealist sculptures.

Years later, in the 1930s, the three friends are reunited in New York and find themselves entangled in a dangerous political conspiracy. Valerie is a key figure in unraveling the mystery, and her connections to a wealthy and powerful family put the entire group in peril. Her character is a free-spirited and fiercely loyal friend at the heart of the film’s complex plot.

‘Babylon’ (2022)

In this epic about early Hollywood, Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy, a wild and fiercely ambitious aspiring actress from New Jersey. The film tracks her meteoric rise from a nobody who crashes a studio party to a bona fide movie star during the decadent and debauched era of silent films. Nellie is a force of nature, driven by raw talent and a self-destructive streak.

The story follows Nellie’s chaotic career as Hollywood transitions from silent pictures to sound, a change that threatens to end her reign as a top star. Her character’s journey is a tragic one, exploring the dizzying heights of fame and the brutal lows that often accompany it. The role is a showcase of excess, ambition, and the human cost of stardom.

‘Asteroid City’ (2023)

Robbie has a brief but memorable role as a recently deceased actress in this stylized ensemble film. Her character appears in a black-and-white sequence that frames the main, colorful story as a play within a movie. She is seen on a balcony opposite the film’s protagonist, and they share a poignant conversation about a scene they had together that was cut from the play.

Although her screen time is short, her appearance is crucial to the film’s themes of storytelling, grief, and human connection. The scene provides a moment of emotional clarity for the main character, helping him to process his own loss. Her character’s story adds another layer to the film’s complex and melancholic exploration of art and life.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

In her most commercially successful role to date, Robbie stars as Stereotypical Barbie. She also produced the film. Her character lives a seemingly perfect life in the matriarchal utopia of Barbie Land, where every day is the best day ever. However, her perfect existence is disrupted when she starts having un-Barbie-like thoughts about mortality.

To solve her existential crisis, she must travel to the Real World with Ken, where she discovers the complexities and joys of being human. The film is a vibrant comedy and a sharp social commentary that explores themes of feminism, identity, and self-acceptance. Barbie’s journey from a perfect doll to an imperfect human is both hilarious and deeply moving.

What is your favorite performance from Margot Robbie’s career so far?