Margot Robbie continues to articulate a clear, audience-first philosophy when it comes to filmmaking, a perspective she recently shared during a promotional event for her latest project, Emerald Fennell’s reimagining of “Wuthering Heights.” The conversation, moderated by fellow Australian actor Joel Edgerton and also featuring Jacob Elordi, centered on Robbie’s role as a producer and how that influences her creative decision-making.
The discussion, which took place as part of a GQ Australia interview, revealed a consistent prioritization of emotional impact over critical acclaim. “I consider audience always,” Robbie stated. “I’ve never, ever been on set and thought, ‘What are the critics going to think of this?’ I’m like, ‘What’s an audience going to feel right now? What’s their emotional response going to be?’ I believe Make sure to make movies for the people who are going to buy tickets to see the movies. It’s as simple as that.”
This approach, Robbie explained, is a key reason she enjoys collaborating with Fennell. “I love working with Emerald because she always prioritises an emotional experience over a heady idea. She’s very smart. She’s got great ideas, but she’ll let a cool idea fall by the wayside to offer the option that’s going to be most exciting for the audience. I really appreciate that about her.” This willingness to sacrifice intellectual complexity for broader emotional resonance speaks to a deliberate strategy of connecting with viewers on a visceral level.
The comments arrive as “Wuthering Heights” debuted at the top of the domestic box office, though its reception has been notably divided. This mirrors a pattern in Fennell’s work, with all three of her feature films produced by Robbie eliciting similarly polarized reactions from both critics and audiences. The film’s success, despite the mixed reviews, seems to validate Robbie’s focus on audience engagement, even if it doesn’t guarantee universal critical praise.
Robbie’s career has been a study in navigating this tension between artistic ambition and commercial viability. The phenomenal success of “Barbie” – a critical and box office triumph – stands in contrast to previous projects like “Babylon,” “Amsterdam,” and “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” which struggled to find both critical and commercial footing. This varied track record underscores the inherent risks in filmmaking and Robbie’s consistent emphasis on audience connection can be seen as a strategy to mitigate those risks.
Her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, is currently developing a diverse slate of projects, including a film adaptation of the board game “Monopoly,” a movie based on “The Sims,” and a prequel to the “Ocean’s 11” franchise. These projects, spanning different genres and intellectual properties, suggest a continued commitment to identifying and pursuing concepts with broad audience appeal. The “Monopoly” and “The Sims” adaptations, in particular, tap into established fan bases and offer built-in recognition, potentially increasing their chances of success.
Robbie’s perspective is particularly noteworthy in an industry increasingly focused on franchise building and intellectual property. While many studios prioritize established brands and pre-existing audiences, her emphasis on emotional connection suggests a desire to create films that resonate with viewers on a deeper level, even within those established frameworks. It’s a reminder that even the most commercially driven projects can benefit from a genuine understanding of what audiences want and feel.
The actor’s comments also come at a time of ongoing debate about the role of critics in shaping public opinion and influencing box office performance. By explicitly stating that she doesn’t concern herself with critical reception, Robbie is positioning herself as a filmmaker who prioritizes the direct connection with the audience, a move that could resonate with viewers who feel alienated by perceived elitism in film criticism. It’s a bold statement that underscores her commitment to creating films that are, for the people who buy the tickets.
As LuckyChap Entertainment continues to expand its portfolio, Robbie’s audience-centric approach will likely remain a guiding principle. The success of “Barbie” demonstrated the power of connecting with audiences on an emotional level, and her willingness to prioritize that connection, even at the expense of critical acclaim, could prove to be a key differentiator in a competitive and ever-evolving entertainment landscape. The upcoming projects – – will be closely watched to see if this strategy continues to yield positive results.
