Every Actor From The Suicide Squad Who Appeared In Fast X
It's been a surprisingly busy year for the cast of James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad." Gunn outfitted his delightfully grotesque story with old friends and new stars, apparently collecting some of the most bankable talent in Hollywood.
Just two weeks after a number of "The Suicide Squad" actors appeared in Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," several of them are already back in cinemas in the summer blockbuster "Fast X."
The first major crossover between the two universes occurred in 2019's "Fast and Furious" spin-off "Hobbs and Shaw," which featured Bloodsport actor Idris Elba as the superhuman foe Brixton Lore. Though Elba likely won't be returning in future installments of The Fast Saga, "Fast X" showcases four other memorable Squad members in ways that will have fans itching for a rewatch.
John Cena plays Peacemaker and Jakob Toretto
As is apparent from the trailers and his prevalence in the marketing, one of the stars of "The Suicide Squad" also stars in "Fast X." John Cena — who portrays Peacemaker — returns as Dominic Toretto's (Vin Diesel) formerly estranged little brother, Jakob.
First appearing as the ultimate antagonist-turned-ally in the preceding film "F9," Jakob once again plays a central role in "Fast X," escorting Little Brian across the country after Dante Reyes (Jason Mamoa) launches his assault on Dom's family. During the climactic battle en route to the Hoover Dam, Jakob seemingly sacrifices his life by using his rocket-powered car as a massive, improvised explosion against Dante's mercenary arm.
As excellent as Cena is as Jakob Toretto, his career-defining role is arguably that of Christopher Smith/Peacemaker in "The Suicide Squad" and HBO Max's "Peacemaker" TV series, the latter of which is set to return for an upcoming season.
Michael Rooker plays Savant and Buddy
Michael Rooker, Gunn's longtime friend and frequent collaborator, graces both films in smaller, supporting roles. In "F9" — debuting alongside Cena's Jakob — Rooker plays the character of Buddy, a member of Dom's father's racing crew and Jakob's surrogate father after Dom exiled him from the Toretto family. Despite this, he still appears in "Fast X."
Rooker's "Fast" character meets a significantly kinder fate than his "Suicide Squad" villain, Savant. The first superhuman seen in the film, Savant is shown to be a skilled marksman when he deduces the exact angle at which to throw a bouncing ball so that it kills a bird in his open-air prison cell.
Poetically, that same breed of bird is present when he dies shortly thereafter during the film's infamously brutal opening fight sequence, which sees Savant's head explode once he attempts to flee the battlefield. Hopefully, the same thing doesn't happen to Buddy in subsequent "Fast X" sequels.
Daniela Melchior plays Ratcatcher II and Isabel Neves
The most recent core addition to The Fast Saga is rising star Daniela Melchior, who found her big break in "The Suicide Squad" as the tragic Ratcatcher II. In a flashback, it's revealed her father died of a drug overdose while trying to provide for her and instilled in her a unique compassion for rats and those whom society views as unworthy of trust and affection.
When Melchior's character, Isabel, first appears on screen during an unexpectedly explosive street race in "Fast X," it isn't immediately clear why her character will be so important to the story. It's soon revealed that she is the sister of the late Elena Neves, Dom's former lover and mother of his child, Little Brian.
Melchior will hopefully continue to appear in future "Fast" films as Dom's newfound sister-in-law and Little Brian's biological aunt. The Toretto family just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Pete Davidson has cameo roles in both films
Perhaps the most shocking crossover between these two films is "Fast X's" surprise celebrity cameo, former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Pete Davidson. Like musician Cardi B in "F9," Davidson has a small, comedic role as one of the eccentric figures the crew meets along their chaotic journey. Davidson plays an underground weapons dealer who wastes their time and ultimately leads Agent Aimes' (Alan Ritchson) forces to their location in exchange for a bounty.
Despite rising as a legitimate in-demand actor in his own right, Davidson appears in a similar cameo capacity in "The Suicide Squad" as the expendable, clownish mercenary Blackgaurd. During the bloody, beach massacre in the film's opening sequence, Blackguard is murdered by one of the soldiers awaiting the team's arrival, betraying the titular anti-heroes and villains. Davidson recently satirized his experience in joining the "Fast" cast in his Peacock original series "Bupkis."