Heads of State (2025) Trailer | First Look at the Action-Comedy Starring Idris Elba & John Cena

Directed by: Ilya Naishuller

Release date: July 2, 2025

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios.

Main Cast

• John Cena as Will Derringer

Portrays the President of the United States, a former action movie star turned politician.

Cena is known for roles in Peacemaker, Fast X, and The Suicide Squad.   

• Idris Elba as Sam Clarke

Plays the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Elba’s notable works include Luther, Beasts of No Nation, and The Suicide Squad.   

• Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset

An MI6 agent who allies with the two leaders. Chopra Jonas has starred in Citadel, The White Tiger, and Baywatch.   

• Jack Quaid

Known for his role in The Boys, Quaid joins the ensemble in an undisclosed role.  

• Paddy Considine

Recognized for his performance in House of the Dragon, Considine’s role adds depth to the cast.

• Stephen Root

A versatile actor known for The Man in the High Castle and Office Space.

• Carla Gugino

With credits in Spy Kids and Gerald’s Game, Gugino brings experience to the film.

• Sarah Niles

Known for her role in Ted Lasso, Niles adds to the film’s dynamic cast.  

• Richard Coyle

Recognized from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Coyle contributes to the ensemble.  

• Clare Foster

An accomplished stage and screen actress, Foster’s role is anticipated.  

• Katrina Durden

Known for her work in Doctor Strange, Durden brings action experience.  

• Aleksandr Kuznetsov

A rising star with roles in Great Poetry and The Scythian.

Overview

Heads of State (2025), directed by Ilya Naishuller (Nobody, Hardcore Henry), is an adrenaline-charged political action-comedy that blends sharp satire with explosive spectacle.

Anchored by the unlikely yet electric pairing of John Cena as U.S. President Will Derringer and Idris Elba as U.K. Prime Minister Sam Clarke, the film takes global diplomacy and turns it into a chaotic, high-stakes buddy mission.

The story kicks off after a deadly attack on Air Force One leaves both leaders stranded and on the run.

What follows is a globe-trotting race to stop a looming international crisis—with Priyanka Chopra Jonas stepping in as MI6 agent Noel Bisset to help keep the world intact.

From witty banter to edge-of-your-seat chases, the chemistry between Cena and Elba fuels the fun, while Naishuller’s frenetic directing style keeps the pace relentless.

While the plot isn’t revolutionary, Heads of State thrives on its genre-mixing charm.

It nods to ‘90s buddy cop films like Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour, with the added twist of placing world leaders in the line of fire.

There’s plenty of punchy humor, pulse-pounding set pieces, and surprisingly poignant moments about leadership, pride, and global cooperation.

This film isn’t trying to be high art—it’s here to entertain. And on that front, it succeeds.

Viewers looking for a brainy political thriller may not find much depth here, but fans of fast-paced fun and star-powered charisma will be satisfied.