Arguably Hollywood's most bankable star, DiCaprio spent over five years developing the film—and, somewhat ironically, convincing Wall Street financiers to fund what he sees as a portrait of "the real epitome of American greed." The long development period may have actually improved the film, since it allowed DiCaprio to spend more time with Belfort, who was "incredibly open about his life, especially the most embarrassing parts," says DiCaprio. "I spent a long time with Jordan. I interviewed him incessantly and tried to pull out every detail I possibly could. We incorporated a lot of other stories that weren't even in the book into the movie."

"I mean, being shot in slow motion doing cocaine by Martin Scorsese is, like, maybe every actor's dream. Nothing will compare to it. Except maybe having kids." ”
——Jonah Hill

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