Margot Robbie reveals which of her critically panned movies not titled ‘Suicide Squad’ deserved better

Margot Robbie’s career faced a speed bump with the 2022 release of Babylon, but she bounced back spectacularly in 2023 with the global phenomenon Barbie. While Babylon underperformed both critically and financially, Robbie remains unwavering in her defense of the film, suggesting it may be appreciated more in the future, much like other misunderstood movies that later found cult status.

Margot Robbie’s Defense of Babylon

In an interview on the Talking Pictures podcast, Robbie expressed confusion over the backlash against Babylon. She speculated that the film’s ambitious storytelling and bold artistic choices might earn it a reappraisal down the line, saying, “I wonder if in 20 years people are gonna be like, ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy.’” She also revealed that her character in the film was partly inspired by Clara Bow, a silent film icon whose legacy influenced pop culture far beyond her era.

What Went Wrong with Babylon?

Damien Chazelle’s Babylon aimed to be an ode to old Hollywood, capturing the chaos and excess of the silent-to-sound transition era. Despite its star-studded cast, which included Brad Pitt and Robbie, and Chazelle’s reputation from hits like La La Land, the film didn’t resonate with audiences or critics.

With a production budget of $78–80 million, Babylon grossed only $64.9 million worldwide, becoming a box office disappointment. Criticism was polarized—some loved its audacious and extravagant storytelling, while others found it self-indulgent and overlong.

Yet, as Robbie and others have pointed out, the film’s lack of pandering and big creative swings might make it a candidate for re-evaluation in the future. Robbie compares it to films like Jennifer’s Body, which were initially dismissed but later celebrated by cult audiences.

The Barbie Turnaround

Robbie’s fortunes changed dramatically with Barbie, which she produced and starred in. Greta Gerwig’s vibrant, existential comedy was a critical and commercial smash, earning over $1.45 billion at the global box office. Robbie’s commitment to the role—attending premieres in iconic Barbie-inspired outfits—and the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon boosted the film’s cultural impact.

As a producer, Robbie’s payday soared, cementing her status as a Hollywood powerhouse. She also earned a Best Actress nomination, solidifying Barbie as a career-defining triumph.

What’s Next for Robbie?

With Barbie, Robbie has proven her ability to balance commercial appeal with meaningful storytelling. Her willingness to champion bold projects, even those that might stumble initially like Babylon, shows a deep commitment to artistic risk-taking. While Babylon may never achieve the mainstream love Barbie has, it’s clear Robbie’s resilience and vision will keep her thriving in Hollywood.

You’re only as good as your last hit, and by that measure, Margot Robbie is soaring. As for Babylon, perhaps time and shifting perspectives will one day justify her loyalty to the ambitious, divisive epic.