Echoes of Hollywood

As 20th Century Fox greenlit the project, Murphy's new film officially titled "The Wolf of Wall Street" began to take shape. Although Jordan Belfort himself had caused some trouble, Stanton Studio held the rights to his autobiography. The terms were clear with no ambiguities, much like Winston Groom's relationship to "Forrest Gump." Belfort couldn't hinder the film's progress.

Following the approval, 20th Century Fox, Stanton Studio, and Megan Ellison's foundation held a tripartite meeting, officially setting the production budget at $100 million. 20th Century Fox took on 60% of the investment, Stanton Studio covered 25% with the adaptation rights and partial investment, and Megan Ellison's foundation accounted for 15%.

Murphy focused his earnings on his director's fee, securing a base salary of $15 million, along with 20% of the global box office revenue and 20% of the DVD and online streaming profits.

Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. and Jonah Hill accepted Murphy's invitation to play the pivotal roles of Jordan Belfort and Donnie Azoff, respectively.

Their combined salaries alone amounted to $35 million, over a third of the production budget. Adding Murphy's entire production team, crew salaries would likely consume nearly half of the total production costs.

This meant the crew couldn't afford high salaries for other actors, reducing the likelihood of attracting big-name stars.

However, some actors were drawn by Murphy Stanton's reputation. For instance, Christoph Waltz agreed to a symbolic $10,000 fee to play Jordan Belfort's mentor on Wall Street.

Margot Robbie also reached out, expressing interest in playing Belfort's second wife, Naomi.

"I heard from David that you're interested in auditioning for this role?" Murphy asked, looking at his girlfriend's friend sitting across from him in Stanton Studio's office. "Maggie, there are some things I need to make clear to you."

Regardless of their long acquaintance and Robbie's connection as David's sister and Gail's friend, Murphy would still consider these relationships. After all, Margot Robbie had the right qualities for the role.

"I saw a bit of the character script from my agency," Margot Robbie said, flipping her blonde hair back. "I think I fit the bill for a glamorous, sexy model."

She laughed at herself.

Margot Robbie knew her strengths. Given equal conditions, she would be the top choice.

"You're quite confident," Murphy teased. Robbie pouted and said, "The biggest thing I learned from Gail is confidence."

Thinking of Gail Gadot, she smiled even more.

Murphy shook his head and turned to the main topic. "Maggie, there are some things I hope you understand before the audition."

"Hmm!" Margot Robbie nodded.

"This role pays only $500,000," Murphy said bluntly. "Regardless of who wants the part, the pay will only be that amount or lower."

If the chosen actress were less famous, the pay would be even lower, possibly just a few tens of thousands of dollars.

Back when Margot Robbie initially took this role, she had few choices. Now, with her fame from "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "Inglourious Basterds," $500,000 was considerably low for her current status.

"The pay..." Robbie hesitated but then said, "I can accept that. I'll talk to my agent."

She then put on a serious face. "After all, it's your movie!"

"I'm not finished," Murphy continued. "This role involves a lot of drug use and full nudity. You should be prepared for that."

Margot Robbie's mouth opened. "Uh..."

In "Game of Thrones," where she played Sansa Stark, she had never gone fully nude.

Hence, she had reservations.

Murphy didn't have time to wait for her to consider. "I'll have someone reserve an audition slot for you. If you want to participate, call Bill."

This was a significant favor.

"Hmm," Margot Robbie nodded lightly, stood up, and said, "Then I'll leave now. Goodbye, Murphy."

Murphy had his secretary see Margot Robbie out of Stanton Studio.

After communicating with 20th Century Fox about the funding status, Murphy left Stanton Studio to join stylist Jack Watson and art director Helena Esborra in visiting several major brands, seeking their support.

Since Jordan Belfort lived a life of extreme luxury, using top-notch luxury items, finding the necessary props on the market was difficult given the time gap.

Murphy's plan was to borrow samples from some brand companies. If samples weren't available, he hoped they could provide designs so the crew could replicate them, ensuring all props were destroyed after filming.

This would also serve as free advertising for the brands.

Five years ago, no one would have paid attention to Murphy. But now, it didn't take much effort to secure most of the needed brands.

Exaggerating slightly, these were the foundations of the film's production. To recreate Belfort's hedonistic lifestyle, cheap props wouldn't suffice.

Murphy also discussed with Robert Downey Jr. and Jonah Hill the explicit scenes in their roles. Considering the next awards season, it was best if they performed these scenes themselves.

The film's explicit scenes might cause some issues, but they were essential to Murphy's vision.

Money, betrayal, and sex are forever intertwined. Sex needs money as its foundation, ending in betrayal. Money and betrayal are inseparable companions.

Murphy never planned to cut out the explicit scenes from the autobiography. He intended to stay true to them. Even if some scenes couldn't appear in the theatrical version, they could be included in the director's cut.

Women shaving their heads, men masturbating, cult-like frenzied exhortations, and offices filled with drugs and rampant sex were key elements.

This industry heavily relied on seduction. Since it didn't produce tangible goods, it had to ignite desires to ensnare customers.

In essence, "The Wolf of Wall Street" would be filled with drugs, sex, group activities, and crime.

Ultimately, Murphy aimed to make an engaging film that would attract audiences.

Indeed, Jordan Belfort was not a good person, far worse than Murphy or the Stanton crew. Yet, his life was enviable.

Not just because of his wealth, which many people dream of, but because his rise seemed effortless, making it even more desirable.

Such rags-to-riches stories are common, but the actor's portrayal of Belfort's charisma would set him apart. Despite lacking righteousness or innate talent, his captivating evil buried his life in sex, drugs, alcohol, and deceit. He wasn't a pillar of society but undeniably lived "excitingly."

He hosted parties at home, on yachts, and even in the office. Apart from his compelling speeches, he would go crazy for a pill. He might not be anyone's role model but offered a life to be envied, with no room for learning or replication.

To some extent, Jordan Belfort was a madman, possibly mentally unstable.

At first, Murphy even considered renaming the film "Wall Street Psychopath."

Superficial charm, exaggerated expressions, constant pursuit of material and drug-induced thrills, habitual lying, strong control desires, lack of shame, irresponsibility, coldness, lack of self-control, promiscuity...

These are all aspects the film would showcase, aligning with Murphy's initial emotional tone for the script.

Every film has its emotional tone—common knowledge in filmmaking. For example, the heavy tragedy of "Man of Steel" or the absurdity of "Gone Girl."

In this film, Murphy planned to avoid showing any genuine, normal emotions. Everything resembling friendship, love, or familial bonds would exist, but buried under money and desire's facade.

Jordan Belfort's empire was held together by a common idol: money.

Murphy's idea was simple. Belfort's employees, always high on adrenaline, worshipped not Belfort himself but the lifestyle money could buy. Ultimately, they worshipped money.

As usual, Murphy focused more on refining the script and overseeing other preparatory work, leaving initial casting and location scouting to department heads.

For Naomi's role, the crew decided to hold an open audition.

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