Exclusive: Margot Robbie reveals new ‘Pulp Fiction’ style film project during first trip to UAE

Actress Margot Robbie reveals new film project on flying visit to the UAE.

Margot Robbie was in town for an exclusive private party hosted by British Airways and held in a luxury villa on Zaya Nurai Island. Kurt Krieger / Corbis

Australian actress and Wolf of Wall Street star Margot Robbie made an appearance in Abu Dhabi over the weekend at an exclusive private party hosted by British Airways. Held in a luxury villa on Zaya Nurai Island, two hundred VIPs gathered to celebrate the launch of routes served by the airline's new luxury Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Entertainment was provided by British pop-starlet Jessie J while Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom briefly posed for selfies with guests. In an exclusive interview, Robbie revealed her upcoming projects.

This is your first trip to the UAE. Has Abu Dhabi met with your expectations so far?

Yes it is, I’ve been in the airport before about a billion times because to get from England to Australia I’d normally stop off here. So it’s really amazing to finally get the chance to explore and go a bit further. I don’t really know what I was expecting to be honest. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do, that’s for sure. I went out into the desert yesterday — and coming from Australia, I’ve obviously been in the outback before — and thought I knew what the desert looked like. However, the desert here is completely different. In fact, I’d say the desert I’ve seen here is one of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen in my life. Ever. Truly. I watched the sun go down behind the dunes and it was beyond magical. I was thinking about Aladdin the whole time. So, yes, I really didn’t expect to be enchanted by the UAE as much as I have been.

Have you managed to catch the censored version of The Wolf of Wall Street that is available in the region?

I haven’t seen the entire cut version, to be honest, but I have been on countless airplane journeys when other people have been watching it. I did notice that there were a lot of quick cuts and jumps between scenes. Lot of bits had been missed out and of course, naturally, I would expect the version of the film that’s doing the rounds here would be very heavily censored.

Do you think the cuts detract away from your performance or leave the film wanting?

It’s hard to generalise and on one hand I’d say no because a lot of the plot points and the characters can clearly still be seen. But at other times, of course, yes. Sometimes, you’re obviously only getting part of the details.

Aside from your upcoming role in the superhero film Suicide Squad, what other projects do you have in the pipeline?

Well, something new is that I’ve got into producing lately. I’m producing a couple of things but there is one big one in particular that I’m focusing on. I’ll be aiming to shoot it in London in the new year and I’m really enjoying being behind the lens. The experience has really opened my eyes to the world of indie film producing — it’s such a hustle, extremely difficult but very rewarding.

What’s the genre and plot of the film?

It's very ambitious as a film and best described as a 'thriller-noir' movie. It's not your generic or average film. It's like a British version of Pulp Fiction and Sin City with a very heavy noir influence.

Does it have a name, involve any famous actors and when might we see it released?

Well, all I can tell you is that it's called Terminal and at this stage I've no idea when it might be released as we're still locking so many things in. But work-wise, the film is definitely where my focus is right now.

You're here as an ambassador for British Airways so what kind of traveller are you? Do you have a routine?

Oh for sure, I’ve got the routine completely down at this point because I’ve done it about a billion times. Firstly, I always wear outfits that are easily transferred into pyjama outfits too. I travel light and as soon as I get on the plane I lay out everything I need in the cabin, exactly where I need it. When I board I also go straight to the bathroom, change my clothes and wipe all my make-up off. I then apply a really heavy moisturiser and I’m pretty much good to go.