FAST AND FURIOUS 9 “Cardi B Meets Vin Diesel” Trailer

Bucking the cameo trend, Cardi B opted against playing herself in the movie, and instead played a legitimate character by the name of Leysa. Her place in the F9 family is complex, so stick with us.

Leysa leads a female paramilitary troupe. Without treading into spoiler territory, this group attempts to masquerade as a SWAT team in order to spring Dom (Diesel) from the grip of a villain.

According to Screenrant, her appearance in the film originated from Vin Diesel’s daughter, who is a big fan of the rapper. And the rapper was a fan of the franchise, according to director Justin Lin.

“I remember getting a call saying, ‘Hey, Cardi B is a fan,’ and saying, ‘OK great, we’re going to do the expected cameo but turn it on its head,’” Lin says in the video.

This wasn’t her first appearance in a major film. She previously appeared in a supporting role as Diamond in the 2019 Jennifer Lopez drama Hustlers.

Sge also wasn’t the only major cameo appearance in the Fast & Furious franchise. According to Insider, she’s in good company. Ja Rule, Keiichi Tsuchiya, Minka Kelly, Ronda Rousey, Kevin Hart, Chrissy Teigen, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, and Helen Mirren have all appeared in well-placed cameos in the franchise over the years.

“You know Vin Diesel, he always plays this very serious guy,” she said in a People magazine behind-the-scenes director’s cut feature. “I was scared, but he’s so nice, so dope, he makes you feel so comfortable, that’s pretty cool.”