Margot Robbie defends her movie that became box office flop and is confused over why viewers ‘hated’ it The actress and new mum, 34, says she still ‘can’t figure out’ why the film bombed nearly two years on

The actress, 34, might be used to Barbie-levels of success, but her Babylon co-stars can’t say the same for themselves.

Take a look at the trailer here:

Although Damien Chazelle’s drama had a bumper budget and an all-star cast, his project just didn’t perform well upon its release in December 2022.

However, his female lead still holds out hope that it might make a killer comeback – as Robbie confessed that two years on, she still ‘can’t figure out’ why people didn’t love it.

She starred in Babylon alongside industry titans including Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, Diego Calva, Jean Smart and Olivia Wilde.

The film is pretty much centred around the debauchery of early Hollywood, detailing the rise and fall of a series of chaotic characters who navigate ‘unbridled decadence and depravity’.

Loosely based on real-life figures, Babylon’s synopsis describes it as a ‘tale of outright ambition and outrageous excess’.

Robbie, seen alongside Calva, reckons that Babylon deserves a lot more appreciation than it received (Paramount Pictures)

Robbie, seen alongside Calva, reckons that Babylon deserves a lot more appreciation than it received (Paramount Pictures)

And seen as though an uncensored trailer for it featured Robbie ‘snorting’ the Paramount logo and it begins with a ‘party-slash-orgy’ scene, it seemed as though it was guaranteed to be a hit.

However, the film didn’t exactly get the reception that the director and cast were hoping for.

Robbie – who plays aspiring starlet Nellie LaRoy in the film – recently discussed it flopping at the box office during an appearance on The Talking Pictures podcast.

“I don’t get it either,” she began.

The actress still hopes it could be a big success (Paramount Pictures)

The actress still hopes it could be a big success (Paramount Pictures)

“I know I am biased because I am very close to the project and I obviously believe in it, but I still can’t figure out why people hated it.”

But the new mum – who welcomed a baby boy with British actor and film producer Tom Ackerley earlier this month – hasn’t given up on it yet.

She continued: “I wonder if in 20 years people are going to be like, ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time?’

“Like when you hear that Shawshank Redemption was a failure at the time and you’re like like, ‘How is that possible?’”

According to reports, Babylon grossed $63million worldwide after its release, which wasn’t too good considering the production budget was around $80 million.

Ultimately, it ended up costing Paramount – and even though it earned five Golden Globes and three Oscar nominations, it only took one gong home in the end.

Babylon didn’t fare much better on Rotten Tomatoes either, as it’s only got an approval rating of a measly 57 percent.

The fact it’s three hours and eight minutes long probably didn’t do it any favours either but it’s clear Robbie stands firmly by it.

Featured Image Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images/Paramount Pictures

Topics: Margot RobbieTV and FilmBrad PittCelebrity

Real Wolf of Wall Street's ex-wife recalls speaking to Margot Robbie about taking her clothes off in movie

Real Wolf of Wall Street’s ex-wife recalls speaking to Margot Robbie about taking her clothes off in movie

She gave the actress some insightful advice before shooting the scene

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair

The Wolf of Wall Street was released in 2013, and it has already gone down as one of the classic films of the 21st century.

Based on the lavish, outrageous life of Jordan Belfort, the movie told the story of several people whose identities were protected through fake names.

One of whom was Belfort’s ex-wife, Nadine Macaluso – played by Margot Robbie – who opened up about the film and her experiences with the ex-stock broker on the Anything Goes with James English podcast.

Some of the scenes in the film seem too crazy to be true, but it turns out that a lot of them did actually happen, as Macaluso said on the podcast that ’90 percent’ of the film is accurate.

In fact, for once, the film might actually be withholding some of the juicier stuff, with the now psychologist saying that it was actually ‘even more over the top than what it showed’.

Host James English called The Wolf of Wall Street a ‘great movie’, saying that the people involved in the story seemed to benefit following the release of the movie, which Macaluso agreed with.

She said that she ‘didn’t speak about it much’, but that she was more concerned about what her children would think of the film when it would be released.

The 56-year-old was even invited to a private screening prior to its release saying it ‘wasn’t that bad’, but that she had no idea that it would perform so well.

She revealed that she spoke to Margot Robbie about shooting a challenging scene. (Youtube/James English)

She revealed that she spoke to Margot Robbie about shooting a challenging scene. (Youtube/James English)

English asked what kind of input she had into the movie, Macaluso said ‘zero’.

However, she did actually meet Robbie, who was just 22-year-old at the time, and also revealed that they taped her accent for the Australian to study.

Macaluso said that she ‘nailed’ the role, and also said that they went to dinner before filming, where Robbie admitted that she was scared to take her clothes off in a racy scene with Leonardo DiCaprio, who was playing Belfort.

“That feeling that you feel right there Margot, speaking truth to power, is what I felt my whole marriage, so think about that when you’re doing your role,” she told the actress at the time.

“She did a great job, she was so good and funny and feisty,” Macaluso admitted, even saying that she saw herself in Robbie’s portrayal of her.

She advised the actress to be confident in the scene and speak truth to power. (Paramount)

She advised the actress to be confident in the scene and speak truth to power. (Paramount)

Admitting that she has seen the movie four or five times, the psychologist said that she gets upset watching it sometimes, depending on her mood.

Macaluso also opened up about the infamous party where she first met Belfort, and apparently it was just like how it was depicted in the movie.

She said: “I went to that party with my boyfriend and just like the movie shows, someone exposed themselves to me.

“I was totally freaked out, I said to him ‘we gotta get outta here, these people are nuts’.

“I didn’t know they were all on Quaaludes at the time, I was 22, I didn’t even know what a Quaalude was, and we left.

“But then I guess Jordan had set his sights on me and decided he wanted to date me.”

Featured Image Credit: Youtube/James English / Paramount Pictures

Topics: CelebrityFilmMargot RobbieTV and FilmSex and Relationships

Se7en fans stunned after realising we did actually see what was ‘in the box’ in another movie

Se7en fans stunned after realising we did actually see what was ‘in the box’ in another movie

It’s pretty crazy when you realise

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

Fans of David Fincher’s Se7en have been left stunned after releasing they’ve seen what was ‘in the box’ in another movie.

The critically-acclaimed American crime thriller follows retired police detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) who – on his last ever case – is forced to work with newly transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt).

The pair reluctantly clash heads on a number of gruesome murder cases and soon realise they are dealing with a cold-blooded killer.

Serial killer John Doe (Kevin Spacey) is targeting people who he thinks represent one of the seven deadly sins.

As the pair of detectives gain each other’s respect, Somerset also befriends Mills’ wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow).

She is pregnant and is afraid to raise her child in the city.

Now, if not you’ve seen the 1995 film, there’s a big 29-year-old spoiler that I’m about to share.

In the final act, the killer lures the detectives to a secure location, bringing along with him a box containing Tracy’s severed head.

A prop of her head was created for Se7en, but we don’t actually see it in the movie.

The highly rated film was one that took Brad Pitt's career to new heights. (New Line Cinema)

The highly rated film was one that took Brad Pitt’s career to new heights. (New Line Cinema)

However, taking to TikTok, film expert Glittering Ghostwriter has revealed in a recent video that Paltrow’s head prop was actually used in the 2011 movie Contagion.

The film follows healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people who find themselves in the midst of a pandemic as the CDC works to find a cure.

The likes of Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Paltrow, all star in the thriller.

“I mean, obviously in Se7en we technically know what is in the box. We just never physically see what’s in the box,” the TikToker explains.

“But that’s not because the box was empty. The creators of Se7en actually did intend to show us Gwyneth Paltrow’s severed head, but in the end, they decided it would build up more tension and mystery if we just never saw it.

We know what was in the box. (Warner Bros)

We know what was in the box. (Warner Bros)

” And I have to agree with the creators on this, but like I also am, personally, curious to see the prop that they created.

“And if you are too you can, as long as you watch the movie Contagion. Because the prop from Se7en was actually used in Contagion.

“In the scene where Gwyneth Paltrow’s character has an autopsy done on her, they have to like cut into her head.

“And since they already had a perfectly good unused prop of Gwyneth Paltrow’s severed head they just use that for the scene in Contagion.”

After making the realisation, users shared their thoughts in the comments.

One wrote: “That is one of the coolest fun facts ever!”

Another added: “Two of my favourite movies and I never knew that fact.”

While a third commented: “Now THAT’S a fun fact.”

So, there you go.

Featured Image Credit: New Line Cinema/Warner Bros

Topics: TV and FilmBrad Pitt

Margot Robbie has made an admission about being punched by Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street

Margot Robbie has made an admission about being punched by Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street

Margot Robbie shared the behind-the-scenes details of the shocking break-up scene

Olivia Burke

Olivia Burke

The Wolf of Wall Street is that chock-a-block with drama, drugs and deceit that it’s hard to remember every minute detail.

But as we all know, the legendary Martin Scorsese doesn’t just include stuff for the sake of it – each scene is carefully crafted and adds another piece to the puzzle of the plot.

However, he also let the stars of the 2013 film exercise some creative control over their performances, encouraging them to improvise and act on impulse – just like the real Jordan Belfort and his ex-wife Nadine Macaluso would have.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie portrayed the volatile couple in The Wolf of Wall Street, and it’s fair to say the pair of them absolutely aced it – which they both reckon is down to their willingness to go the extra mile.

We already know that Margot insisted on being starkers for that iconic scene where she turns up naked in the doorway, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that she helped orchestrate a ferocious scrap between her and her co-star.

While discussing some of the behind-the-scenes secrets which helped to make The Wolf of Wall Street such a good watch, the Barbie actor explained that her final scene in the film was actually put together at the eleventh hour.

As Jordan’s (DiCaprio) legal troubles mount, so does his reliance on drugs – and Naomi’s had it up to here with him.

He’s sliced the sofa in search of cocaine and she bursts in the room to give him a piece of her mind, as well as the news that she is divorcing him – and that he’ll never see their child again.

In one of the most emotional scenes in The Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan shoves past her and heads towards his daughter’s room, intent on fleeing with the youngster, but things turn violent when Naomi tries to stop him.

Margot Robbie revealed how they came up with the shocking break-up scene (Paramount)

Margot Robbie revealed how they came up with the shocking break-up scene (Paramount)

The stockbroker punches his wife in the stomach in his rage before grabbing their daughter and racing to his car, but as film fans will remember, he doesn’t get very far in his drug-addled state and crashes the car in the driveway.

Viewers would likely presume that Scorsese spent weeks stewing over this break-up scene – but according to Margot, they actually only came up with the idea the night before shooting it.

The 33-year-old explained: “Everyone is just so committed to making the best movie possible, that everyone just goes further and further with it.

“Marty [Scorsese] just lets you improvise for five minutes, do whatever you feel like doing. The last scene that Naomi is in, we completely made it up the night before shooting it.

“And it went from being conversation to kidnapping and drugs and punching each other and smashing windows.

“It just went in a whole different direction.”

The actress and Leonardo DiCaprio were originally only meant to have a conversation (Paramount)

The actress and Leonardo DiCaprio were originally only meant to have a conversation (Paramount)

Then again, we shouldn’t expect anything less from Margot – seen as though she booked The Wolf of Wall Street by slapping Leonardo in the face off the cuff during her audition.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, she previously explained that she came up with the move on the spot as she realised she needed to do something special to impress Scorsese.

The Aussie star said that she was aware her audition was nearly over and that it was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime chance’, so she pulled out the big guns.

She explained: “So I start screaming at him [Leonardo] and he’s yelling back at me. And he’s really scary. I can barely keep up. And he ends it saying, ‘You should be happy to have a husband like me. Now get over here and kiss me.’

“So I walk up really close to his face and then I’m like, ‘Maybe I should kiss him. When else am I ever going to get a chance to kiss Leo DiCaprio, ever?’

“But another part of my brain clicks and I just go, Whack! I hit him in the face. And then I scream, ‘F*** you!’

“And that’s not in the script at all. The room just went dead silent and I froze.”

Moral of the story – Margot’s hard as f*ck.

Featured Image Credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Paramount

Topics: Margot RobbieLeonardo DiCaprioFilmCelebrity

Netflix viewers missed Brad Pitt traveller moment in The Gentlemen series

Netflix viewers missed Brad Pitt traveller moment in The Gentlemen series

There’s a couple of Easter eggs in the new series

Jess Battison

Jess Battison

We’re only three months in to the year and yet we’ve already had all kinds of bangers to watch.

From Fool Me Once kicking things off to ‘terrifying’ true crime docs and from a new Adam Sandler film to the recent release of The GentlemenNetflix has been knocking them out.

A spin-off of Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name, the new series was released on 7 March and fans have been loving it.

Starring Theo James as the lead Eddie Horniman, it follows him getting a taster for the underground crime world when he’s forced to take over the secret family business.

The actor explained to LADbible that it’s a ‘completely different story’ to the popular film and while it’s ‘in the world’ it’s ‘more in a fun, bombastic Guy Ritchie way’.

And while it is a self-contained story without any of the original film’s characters, fans have noticed the odd reference to the wider world of TV and film that others might miss.

Included in that mix is a Brad Pitt reference.

During the fifth episode of the series, Eddie and Susie (played by Kaya Scodelario) try and negotiate with a group of travellers in a caravan.

Hang on...that looks familiar.

Netflix

The pair are hoping the bunch will help them ship some of the weed from their Halstead Estate.

And considering their deal, the travellers discuss it amongst themselves in whispers. Eagle-eyed film fans out there might notice this is a nod to one of Ritchie’s iconic films.

In 2000’s Snatch, Pitt’s character Mickey tried to haggle a deal with Turkish (Jason Statham) and Tommy (Stephen Graham) for a caravan in ‘periwinkle blue’.

Other little Easter eggs in the series see nods to Giancarlo Esposito’s role in Breaking Bad.

Pitt in Snatch.

Columbia Pictures

He plays Stanley Johnson in The Gentlemen, a businessman who sells meth – much like in the popular series.

All in all, fans have been loving this new Netflix drop and particularly are urging others to watch the penultimate scene in the pilot where Eddie’s older brother Freddy (Daniel Ings) dances around in a chicken suit against his will.

Fans say it’s ‘so intense’ and you’ve really just got to watch it to truly get it as another said: “The Gentlemen chicken scene is so sad omfg.”

“The chicken scene in ‘The Gentlemen‘ Season 1, Episode 1 is one of the finest movie scenes l’ve ever seen in my life,” one wrote.

“So well-written and perfectly acted out. F**king hell!”

The Gentlemen is available to watch on Netflix.

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