Cast of Heads of State (2025) Movie | From Idris Elba to John Cena

Directed by Ilya Naishuller

Heads of State premiered on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Movie Review

Heads of State delivers a rip-roaring globe-trotting adventure as John Cena’s affable President Will Derringer and Idris Elba’s steely Prime Minister Sam Clarke unite after Air Force One is downed over Eastern Europe.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas brings fierce intelligence as MI6 agent Noel Bisset while Paddy Considine fuels tension as vengeful arms dealer Viktor Gradov.

The film balances over-the-top action including helicopter chases, high-stakes shoot-outs and hand-to-hand combat with cheeky buddy-comedy banter that never takes itself too seriously.

Critics call it “stupid fun” but praise the chemistry and spectacle, and audiences have propelled it to Prime Video’s top spot within 24 hours of release.

If you want light-hearted thrills and unexpected camaraderie among world leaders, Heads of State is your summer popcorn hit.

Ratings

IMDb: 6.7 / 10

Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): 67%

Heads of State 2025 Actors

John Cena as Will Derringer

DOB: April 23, 1977

Bio: Hailing from West Newbury, Massachusetts, John Cena transformed his WWE superstardom into a thriving Hollywood career.

Known for his blend of commanding presence and comedic timing, Cena has headlined blockbuster franchises while also gaining acclaim for more self-aware, emotionally grounded roles, especially as Peacemaker. 

Role: The newly elected U.S. President who must survive a mid air assassination attempt on Air Force One, team up with his rival British PM.

What to Expect: Big screen bravado laced with self deprecating humor, plus genuine heart in unlikely alliances.

Favorite Things: Vintage muscle car restorations, late night piano sessions, and family backyard cookouts.

Notable Works: The Suicide Squad, F9: The Fast Saga, Peacemaker, Blockers, Trainwreck.

Idris Elba as Sam Clarke

DOB: September 6, 1972

Bio: Born in London to Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian parents, Idris Elba rose to international fame with his commanding role as Stringer Bell in The Wire, followed by his iconic portrayal of Luther in the BBC series of the same name.

Trained at the National Youth Music Theatre, Elba blends stagecraft with rugged screen charisma.

Role: The no nonsense U.K. Prime Minister and ex commando forced into an uneasy partnership with Derringer.

What to Expect: Commanding presence, strategic savvy, and moments of reluctant camaraderie that reveal his surprisingly warm side.

Favorite Things: Arsenal FC matches, vinyl crate digging, and late night strategy games.

Notable Works: Luther, The Wire, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Hobbs & Shaw, Beasts of No Nation.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset

DOB: July 18, 1982

Bio: Born in Jamshedpur, India, Priyanka Chopra Jonas transitioned from Miss World 2000 to a versatile international star, commanding screens from Bollywood blockbusters to global streaming hits.

With a résumé that includes action, drama, and espionage thrillers, she’s become a symbol of cross-cultural success in entertainment. 

Role: Top MI6 agent sent to safeguard the two leaders, her loyalties tested as secrets emerge.

What to Expect: High octane fight sequences, razor sharp intelligence work, and tender moments of conflict with Clarke.

Favorite Things: Home made curry nights, cozy book club gatherings, and spontaneous karaoke.

Notable Works: Citadel, Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections, Quantico, Barfi!

Jack Quaid as Marty Comer

DOB: April 24, 1992

Bio: The son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, Jack Quaid has carved out his own path, best known for his breakout role as Hughie in The Boys and his performance in Scream (2022).

With a flair for blending charm, awkwardness, and heart, Quaid often plays characters who grow under pressure, making him a natural fit for action-comedies and thrillers alike.

Role: CIA field agent in Warsaw whose bumbling confidence transforms into steely resolve.

What to Expect: Comedic relief turned adrenaline charged heroics amid urban shootouts.

Favorite Things: Urban exploration, impromptu rap battles, and testing new camera gear.

Notable Works: The Boys, Scream (2022), Oppenheimer, Novocaine.

Paddy Considine as Viktor Gradov

DOB: September 5, 1973

Bio: Acclaimed for his intensity and emotional nuance, Paddy Considine is one of Britain’s most compelling character actors.

He earned critical praise for his chilling performance in Dead Man’s Shoes and more recently as King Viserys in House of the Dragon.

A writer-director in his own right, Considine brings layered depth to every role he inhabits. 

Role: Russian arms dealer bent on vengeance after losing his son, his calm exterior masks seething rage.

What to Expect: Quiet menace that builds to explosive confrontations and unexpected emotional depth.

Favorite Things: Chess marathons, vintage spy novels, and meticulously crafted model trains.

Notable Works: House of the Dragon, Dead Man’s Shoes, The Outsider, Hot Fuzz.

Carla Gugino as Elizabeth Kirk

DOB: August 29, 1971

Bio: Emmy-nominated Carla Gugino has carved a niche for playing characters who exude both strength and emotional complexity.

From action-packed family hits like Spy Kids to prestige series like Watchmen and The Haunting of Hill House, Gugino brings poise, intelligence, and gravitas to every performance.

Role: U.S. Vice President who briefly assumes power during the crisis.

What to Expect: Poised leadership, razor sharp political acumen, and surprising moments of empathy.

Favorite Things: Antique typewriters, backstage jazz performances, and mentoring young policymakers.

Notable Works: Watchmen, Spy Kids, The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald’s Game, San Andreas.

Stephen Root as Arthur Hammond

DOB: November 17, 1951

Bio: Stephen Root is a beloved and versatile character actor whose career spans comedy, drama, and everything in between.

From the cult classic Office Space to the Emmy-winning Barry, Root is known for imbuing quirky roles with surprising emotional weight.

With a background in stage acting and voice work (King of the Hill, Finding Nemo), Root brings depth and nuance even to the most eccentric characters.

Role: Hacker working for Gradov whose loyalties fracture in a tense moral arc.

What to Expect: Bittersweet humor, haunted reflections, and a final act moral reckoning.

Favorite Things: Model railroad building, podcasting about classic comedies, and vintage Pez dispensers.

Notable Works: Office Space, NewsRadio, Barry, King of the Hill, Get Out.

Sarah Niles as Simone Bradshaw

DOB: June 17, 1987

Bio: Sarah Niles is a powerhouse British actor known for commanding performances on both stage and screen.

With acclaimed roles in Barry, Ted Lasso, and Sex Education, she’s built a reputation for portraying complex, emotionally restrained characters with sharp intelligence. 

Role: White House Chief of Staff whose covert decisions spark international betrayal.

What to Expect: Calm, calculated moves giving way to high stakes political drama.

Favorite Things: Stationery shopping, strategic board games, and Sunday morning Pilates.

Notable Works: Riches, Ted Lasso, I May Destroy You.

Richard Coyle as Quincy Harrington

DOB: February 27, 1972

Bio: Richard Coyle is a seasoned English actor known for his sharp comedic instincts and polished dramatic turns.

Rising to fame in the cult sitcom Coupling, he later showcased his range in period dramas like The Crown and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Role: Clarke’s right hand in Downing Street, his loyalty and wit are constant in the chaos.

What to Expect: Understated deadpan humor, firm guidance, and moments of surprising warmth.

Favorite Things: Bonsai cultivation, historical biographies, and afternoon tea tastings.

Notable Works: Coupling, Grabbers, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Fall.

Clare Foster as Cat Derringer

DOB: July 24, 1980

Bio: Clare Foster is an acclaimed British stage actress best known for her roles in West End productions like Les Misérables, Crazy for You, and Travesties.

With classical training and a background in musical theatre, she’s celebrated for her expressive subtlety, crisp diction, and graceful composure.

Role: First Lady who grounds Derringer with steadfast support and quiet courage.

What to Expect: Grace under fire, heartfelt pep talks, and a moment that literally saves the day.

Favorite Things: Baroque music recitals, crafting pressed flower art, and marathon reading sessions.

Notable Works: Les Misérables (West End), Crazy for You, Travesties (stage).

Katrina Durden as Olga the Killer

DOB: March 28, 1990

Bio: British actress and stunt performer Katrina Durden is a rising force in the action genre.

With a background in Muay Thai, boxing, and screen combat, she gained early attention for roles in Doctor Strange and Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist.

Role: One half of Gradov’s lethal assassin duo, cold, methodical, and nearly unstoppable.

What to Expect: Flawless combat choreography, silent tension, and icy professionalism.

Favorite Things: Weapon craft history, parkour training, and forensic case studies.

Notable Works: Doctor Strange, Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist, Heads of State debut.

Aleksandr Kuznetsov as Sasha the Killer

DOB: July 22, 1992

Bio: Hailing from Eastern Europe, Aleksandr Kuznetsov is an actor and stunt professional known for roles that blend stoicism with an undercurrent of menace.

With formal training in both firearms handling and hand-to-hand combat, he previously worked behind the scenes as a fight choreographer before stepping into the spotlight.

Role: Olga’s partner in crime, an expert marksman whose calm focus contrasts the chaos around him.

What to Expect: Symmetrical fighting styles with Olga, precise sharpshooting, and a haunting final scene.

Favorite Things: Precision marksmanship, silent film appreciation, and chess.

Notable Works: Heads of State debut

More Actors

• Sharlto Copley as Thomas “Coop” Cooper

• Adrian Lukis as Jack Gordon

• Ingeborga Dapkunaite as a Belarusian farmer they encounter

• Steven Cree as Agent Crasson

• Wade Briggs as The Chef

• Robyn Pennington as Sawyer Derringer

• Peter de Jersey as Echelon Director Adams

• Luke Roberts as White House Correspondent.

FAQ – Heads of State 2025 Movie

What’s the runtime and rating?

Runs about 113 minutes, rated PG‑13 for strong violence, action, language (some smoking).

Any notable plot twists?

Yes. Vice President Elizabeth Kirk betrays them, and a CIA agent Marty Comer, thought dead, survives and may return in a sequel.

Is there a sequel planned?

A post‑credits scene teases Marty Comer’s return, setting up for a possible Heads of State 2. EW

What were the filming locations and duration?

Filming took place from May 2023 to May 2024 across several European locations, including London, Liverpool, Trieste, and Belgrade.

Where can I watch it?

Streaming now on Prime Video.

Conclusion

Heads of State is pure escapism, combining blockbuster action with playful humor and unexpected heart.

John Cena and Idris Elba sell their unlikely partnership with charm and wit while Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Paddy Considine raise the stakes with fierce performances.

From high-flying set pieces to sly banter, the film never loses its sense of fun.

If you are looking for a summer pick-me-up that does not take itself too seriously but still delivers on thrills, Heads of State is a must-stream.