Heads of State is a 2025 action comedy film available to stream on Prime Video, directed by Ilya Naishuller. The movie centers on the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, forced into a reluctant partnership to stop a global conspiracy after becoming targets of a foreign adversary.
The film blends high-stakes action with sharp comedy, anchored by a dynamic, star-studded cast.
Main Cast and Characters
John Cena as Will Derringer
- Role: President of the United States
- Character Details: Will Derringer is a newly elected, charismatic U.S. President with a background as an action movie star. His lack of political experience leads to comedic clashes with his British counterpart, but he’s willing to risk everything to protect his country and reach a critical NATO summit.
- About the Actor: John Cena is a former professional wrestler turned actor, known for roles in The Suicide Squad, F9, and Blockers.
Idris Elba as Sam Clarke
- Role: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Character Details: Sam Clarke is a disciplined, ex-commando and veteran of the SAS, now serving as the UK’s Prime Minister. He’s pragmatic, resourceful, and often finds himself exasperated by Derringer’s inexperience, but ultimately leads the charge in dangerous situations.
- About the Actor: Idris Elba is acclaimed for performances in Luther, The Wire, and Hijack.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset
- Role: Senior MI6 Agent
- Character Details: Noel Bisset is tasked with protecting both world leaders after an assassination attempt. A skilled operative, she works to uncover the conspiracy while navigating a complicated history with Sam Clarke.
- About the Actor: Priyanka Chopra Jonas is known for Citadel, The Matrix Resurrections, and Baywatch.
Key Supporting Cast
| Actor | Character Name | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Quaid | Marty Comer | CIA officer and station agent in Warsaw; provides comic relief and field support |
| Paddy Considine | Viktor Gradov | Russian arms dealer and main antagonist |
| Stephen Root | Arthur Hammond | Hacker working for Gradov |
| Carla Gugino | VP Elizabeth Kirk | U.S. Vice President, steps in during President’s absence |
| Sarah Niles | Simone Bradshaw | Chief of Staff to President Derringer |
| Richard Coyle | Quincy Harrington | Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Clarke |
| Clare Foster | Cat Derringer | First Lady of the United States |
| Katrina Durden | Olga the Killer | Assassin working for Gradov |
| Aleksandr Kuznetsov | Sasha the Killer | Assassin working for Gradov |
| Sharlto Copley | Coop | CIA officer and Bisset’s counterpart |
Notable Ensemble Highlights
- The cast is rounded out by a mix of comedic and dramatic talent, ensuring a balance between action and humor.
- The interplay between Cena and Elba’s characters is a central comedic and dramatic driver, while Chopra Jonas’s MI6 agent adds intrigue and depth to the narrative.
Why This Cast Stands Out
- Star Power: With global icons like John Cena, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Heads of State appeals to a wide audience.
- Genre Experience: Many cast members have strong backgrounds in both action and comedy, perfectly suiting the film’s tone.
- Chemistry: The dynamic between the leads and supporting actors creates a compelling mix of tension, humor, and heart.
Heads of State delivers a fresh spin on the buddy action-comedy formula, with its cast bringing both gravitas and laughs to the high-stakes world of global politics and espionage.
About Heads of State
Heads of State is a 2025 action-comedy film directed by Ilya Naishuller, starring John Cena and Idris Elba as rival world leaders thrown into a deadly conspiracy. Cena plays Will Derringer, the President of the United States and a former action hero, while Elba portrays Sam Clarke, the no-nonsense Prime Minister of the UK with a military past. After a heated moment at a NATO event, both leaders find themselves aboard Air Force One when it’s attacked mid-flight by a rogue Russian arms dealer. Forced to eject and crash-land in Belarus, the unlikely duo must set aside their egos and join forces to survive. As they trek through hostile territory, they uncover a plot that threatens global security. Assisted by a sharp MI6 agent played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the pair battle enemies and their own pride. With explosive action and sharp banter, the film mixes political satire with buddy-comedy thrills and hints at sequel potential.
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