Leonardo DiCaprio expressed surprise that many young children are fans of his R-rated film The Wolf of Wall Street, a provocative dark comedy filled with explicit content and drug use. The 2013 Martin Scorsese movie, starring DiCaprio as the controversial stockbroker Jordan Belfort, explores Belfort’s rise and fall due to illegal financial schemes and excessive partying.
Alongside DiCaprio, the film features notable performances from Margot Robbie, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, and Jon Bernthal. Upon release, The Wolf of Wall Street received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, and Best Actor for DiCaprio, while earning $407 million worldwide. Despite its mature themes, the movie has gained unexpected popularity among younger viewers, which caught DiCaprio off guard during a recent interview.
Unexpected Youth Audience for a Mature Film
In a discussion with Variety about his project One Battle After Another, DiCaprio was asked which of his films resonate with younger generations, like Gen Z and Gen Alpha. He revealed his astonishment when children tell him they enjoyed The Wolf of Wall Street despite its mature rating and content.
“Some little kids come up to me and go, ‘I loved Wolf of Wall Street.’ Like, you saw that? How old are you?”
he remarked.
The Wolf of Wall Street carries an R-rating, typically restricting viewers under 17 from seeing it without adult supervision. The film is known for intense scenes, such as DiCaprio’s character enduring a harrowing encounter with quaaludes and the substantial count of explicit language it contains. DiCaprio also mentioned,
“I saw a lot of R-rated movies when I was young,”
acknowledging that youthful exposure to such films is not uncommon.
How Are Young Viewers Accessing the Film?
The accessibility of The Wolf of Wall Street on multiple streaming platforms has likely contributed to its appeal among younger audiences, despite parental controls designed to limit such content. The film has enjoyed renewed popularity recently, including a surge in viewership on Pluto TV, a free streaming service, as well as being available on MGM+ and Paramount+.
While parental restrictions exist, enforcement can be difficult, allowing kids to circumvent controls and watch films like The Wolf of Wall Street on their own. This ease of access complicates efforts to keep age-inappropriate material away from younger viewers.
Reflections on Kids Enjoying an Adult-Rated Movie
Leonardo DiCaprio’s reaction reflects a broader tension around children consuming films meant for mature audiences. While it’s a widespread occurrence for kids to watch movies intended for older viewers, the nature of The Wolf of Wall Street makes this especially unsettling. The movie’s depiction of indulgence, crime, and moral downfall isn’t content traditionally suited for children.
However, there is a small positive aspect in that the film represents the work of an esteemed filmmaker like Martin Scorsese. DiCaprio noted the value in young people discovering high-quality films from earlier generations. Still, the concern remains whether younger viewers grasp that Jordan Belfort’s lifestyle is not something to imitate.
Given the film’s explicit scenes and strong language, many would agree that it’s more appropriate for mature teens and adults rather than younger audiences. The hope is that any young fans can critically appreciate the movie’s cautionary elements rather than glamorize Belfort’s actions.
Key Performers Behind The Wolf of Wall Street
Leonardo DiCaprio leads the film as Jordan Belfort, the ambitious and reckless stockbroker whose greed fuels a dramatic story of excess and collapse. Jonah Hill delivers a standout role as Donnie Azoff, Belfort’s unpredictable business partner. The ensemble cast, including Margot Robbie in a breakthrough role, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, and Jon Bernthal, adds depth and intensity to the depiction of the chaotic world they navigate.
