Fast X Missed The Perfect Opportunity For A Hobbs And Shaw Cameo

If you didn't binge-watch all ten preceding films (or skipped the bizarre spin-off "Hobbs & Shaw" entirely), Kevin Hart's role as Dinkley seemed at first to be written as yet another forced celebrity cameo, in the same style as Pete Davidson in "Fast X" or Cardi B in "F9." But even aside from the fact that Hart has a unique and genuinely entertaining chemistry with Johnson (of course, thanks to their longtime friendship), Hart's Dinkley stands out by actually playing a key role in the plot.

During his brief comedic scene on the plane, Dinkley mentions that he was once a member of Sabre Squad Echo, which seems to impress both Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). He boasts that he has serious connections and resources at his disposal, and — despite his awkward, desperate bravado — he surprisingly comes through when the team needs to escape to Samoa. This moment elevates Hart's cameo to something meaningful to the development of the story, thus also making his character all the more memorable. 

While Hart's character did not return for "Fast X," Meadow Rain Walker is excellent as the mysterious, clandestine flight attendant that hooks Jakob up. Hopefully, we'll get to learn more about her and her relationship with the Torettos in future films. And maybe fans can even hope to eventually get a cameo from Air Marshal Dinkley in the future.