Margot Robbie plays Queen Elizabeth I in 'Mary Queen of Scots'

On the red carpet for "Mary Queen of Scots," Margot Robbie cites "no beheadings" as an improvement in women's leadership roles over the past 500 years.

Margot Robbie,left,and Saoirse Ronan at the premiere of "Mary Queen of Scots" at The Paris Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in New York. [Photo: AP]

The actress was in New York on Tuesday (4 December) with Saoirse Ronan for the premiere of their new film.

Margot Robbie attends the premiere of "Mary Queen of Scots" at The Paris Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in New York. [Photo: AP]

Robbie sees contemporary relevance in the story of Mary Queen of Scots and England's Queen Elizabeth I, especially when it comes to the way strong women are sometimes treated.

"It was interesting to explore the notion of women in power and what they had to sacrifice to kind of hold on to their power, you know, and the people around them who are trying to control them, use them, and how they kind of handle that situation."

Margot Robbie attends the premiere of "Mary Queen of Scots" at The Paris Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in New York. [Photo: AP]

She portrays Elizabeth, who had a contentious relationship with Mary, played by Ronan.

"It's a fascinating time to explore, but it also has a lot of relevance to the conversations today particularly when it comes to women in leadership roles," Robbie said.

Margot Robbie, left, and Saoirse Ronan attend the premiere of "Mary Queen of Scots" at The Paris Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in New York. [Photo: AP]

"Mary Queen of Scots" opens in US theaters on Friday.