Rapper and songwriter Cardi B makes a cameo appearance in the long-anticipated F9 film, and here’s what her role looks like for the Fast & Furious universe. Originally set for worldwide release in April 2020, F9 was one of many films that faced delays due to the pandemic, though its premiere was also pushed back by the release of the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff in 2019. Filming for F9 began in the fall of 2019, and Vin Diesel shared the news on Instagram that Cardi B had joined the cast.

As a sequel to 2017’s The Fate of the Furious, F9 is the ninth main installment for the franchise. This film sees Diesel’s Dominic “Dom” Toretto attempting to settle down with his wife, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), and their son, Brian. But soon after discovering that his estranged brother, Jakob (John Cena), is involved in a heist involving a weapons hacking device, Dom finds himself back in the center of the action. Complete with the saga’s signature car racing and action scenes, F9 also includes a mix of familiar and new characters, plus a literal out-of-this-world adventure.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Cardi B joins an impressive list of actors and actresses with cameos in the franchise. For F9, appearances are also made by Helen Mirren, Gal Gadot, and Jason Statham. Leading up to the film’s release, most of the details surrounding Cardi B’s character were kept under wraps. Director Justin Lin had great things to say about the rapper’s involvement in the film. “I love Cardi… she showed up and within a minute she’s part of the family,” he said (via Newsweek). He also alluded to her F9 character and her lowkey yet long-standing existence in the Fast universe: “She’s been around for a long time and this is just the first time we are seeing her, so I’m really excited to explore that.” Here’s what the movie explores thus far with Cardi B’s character.

Cardi B’s Role In F9

In Fast & Furious 9, Cardi B plays the role of Leysa, an old friend of Dom’s. It’s assumed that they met at some point when Dom was in the Dominican Republic. When Queenie Shaw brings Dom to Hatfield House in London, he is greeted by Leysa, who is attending Otto’s party there. Otto has Dom arrested after Dom and Jakob have a heated exchange, and things look pretty grim for Dom when he’s captured by Interpol. But when the agents remove their masks, it turns out to be Leysa and her own team. She tells Dom she is working for Queenie and gives him his brother’s gun, which contains biometric prints that can be used to track his location. Thanks to her assistance, Dom is able to escape.

Why Cardi B Is In F9

The Grammy Award-winning rapper has fellow costar Vin Diesel to thank for her entrance into the Fast universe. According to Cinema Blend, Diesel’s daughter is a fan of Cardi B, and he reached out to her after working with the writers to see if she’d be interested in a role the F9 movie. She agreed, and the franchise posted a video to its YouTube channel during which Cardi B talked about her enthusiasm for joining the cast. “Vin Diesel reached out and he was talking about a role. I’m like, ‘It’s freakin’ Fast & Furious. Get me there – put me on a plane!” she said.

See also  BOTW's Subtle Attack Animation Blows Players Minds 4 Years Later

Will Cardi B Return In Fast & Furious 10?

Yes, Cardi B’s Leysa will appear in the upcoming Fast & Furious 10, and it’s rumored that she’ll also appear in the potential all-female spinoff. Diesel revealed that fans will get to see more of Cardi B and her character’s storyline as the franchise approaches its conclusion (via ET). “We are very much excited to evolve her character and to expand it to the finale,” he said. “She made it just in time. She came in Fast 9 just in time.” Compared to F9, it sounds like Cardi B will have more than just a cameo going forward.

Rob Zombie’s Munsters Reboot Star Shows Off Lily Munster’s Costume

About The Author


Kayleigh Fongers
(59 Articles Published)

Kayleigh Fongers is a features writer for Screen Rant, covering movies and TV shows. She’s a communications coordinator for a nonprofit organization by day and a freelance writer by night. In addition to Screen Rant, Kayleigh has contributed to Religion News Service, The Banner, and Grand Rapids Magazine. She holds a BA in Writing from Calvin University and also writes for an alumni blog. When she’s not behind a screen, she’s probably listening to Harry Styles, obsessing over a sunset on Lake Michigan, or buying more books than she’ll ever read.

More From Kayleigh Fongers