Heads of State is a globe-trotting action‑comedy set to premiere on July 2, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, this film mixes high‑stakes diplomatic drama and buddy Black Ops fun as two world leaders learn they have more in common than protocol.
⭐ Cast & Crew
- John Cena as President Will Derringer – the action‑movie‑turned‑commander-in-chief with big‑screen bravado
- Idris Elba as Prime Minister Sam Clarke – a former SAS commando and stern political leader
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset, a savvy MI6 agent sent to shield both heads of state
- Jack Quaid as a resourceful CIA analyst who assists in unraveling the conspiracy
- Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Sarah Niles, and Richard Coyle round out the supporting squad
- Director: Ilya Naishuller
- Screenplay: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec & Harrison Query
- Producers: Peter Safran, John Rickard
- Cinematography: Ben Davis
- Music Score: Steven Price
- Editing: Tom Harrison‑Read
📝 Plot & Storyline
When an international summit comes under siege, President Derringer and Prime Minister Clarke must set aside personal rivalry and national pride to prevent global catastrophe. With Noel Bisset guiding them and a CIA analyst’s help, they face mercenaries, hackers, and political betrayal. Their mission takes them from London to Geneva, Tokyo, and Belgrade. It’s diplomatic comedy meets adrenaline‑fueled action, focusing on unlikely alliances and the power of cooperation in crisis.
🎬 Shooting Locations & Production
- Filming Timeline: May 2023 – May 2024
- Locations:
- London & Liverpool, UK for political backdrops and expansive car chases
- Trieste, Italy for Mediterranean-styled sequences
- Belgrade, Serbia for post-summit action scenes
- Filmed using practical stunts, IMAX-level sequences, and multi‑camera setups to capture high-octane chase and combat scenes
- Post‑production (special effects, sound editing, color grading) wrapped in spring 2025
🎞️ Trailer & First Look
- First Look Poster (June 2025): Features Cena and Elba standing beside burning cityscapes — setting the high-stakes tone
- Official Trailer (June 2025): Teases globe‑hopping action, tense one-liners between the two leads, and international espionage
- Audience Reaction: Buzz highlights Cena’s comedic timing paired with Elba’s intensity; Priyanka’s screen presence also gets praise
📅 Release Date & Viewing Info
- Streaming Release: July 2, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video globally
- Angled as a Modern Diplomatic Thriller: Combines tense action, humor, and global intrigue
- Runtime: Approximately 117 minutes
- Rating: PG‑13 for brief violence, action, and mild language
💡 Interesting Facts
- One of the year’s most talked-about buddy-action films, earning a top ranking on ssrmovies summer preview lists
- Cena & Elba Chemistry: Inspired by their dynamic in The Suicide Squad, this pairing explores a comic clash of egos and action styles
- Stunt-Driven Action: Nearly 70% of set‑piece scenes were performed on practical locations rather than green-screen setups
- Cultural Experts Involved: Local advisors ensured authenticity in European city portrayals and political summit decor
- Comedic Easter Egg: A brief shot in the trailer references Cena’s first WWE entrance—a tongue-in-cheek homage to his past
🌟 Why You Should Watch?
Blending political intrigue with buddy-action comedy, the film offers a fresh take on global leadership under fire. With star‑power, sharp writing, and a flair for practical stunts, Heads of State delivers a fun yet thought-provoking ride—making diplomacy look surprisingly entertaining this summer.
