Prime-Video - Heads of State: John Cena and Idris Elba are Out to Save the World

By Mulder, 04 june 2025

Get ready to buckle in for a summer blockbuster that doesn’t just bring the fireworks—it is the fireworks. Heads of State, the highly anticipated action comedy from genre-bending director Ilya Naishuller, is set to debut globally on Prime Video on July 2, 2025, and judging by the newly released trailer, it promises to be the most chaotic and entertaining diplomatic mission ever put to screen. Starring the dynamic and delightfully mismatched duo of John Cena and Idris Elba, the film positions itself at the intersection of slapstick politics, explosive espionage, and razor-sharp buddy comedy. If you've ever wondered what would happen if the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom were thrown into a Jason Bourne-level conspiracy while still trying to one-up each other—this movie has your answer.

The plot of Heads of State reads like the fever dream of a political thriller junkie with a wicked sense of humor. John Cena plays Will Derringer, a chest-thumping, loud-mouthed American President who’s more action hero than politician. His international counterpart, Sam Clarke, played by the always magnetic Idris Elba, is a reserved, razor-sharp British Prime Minister who can barely tolerate Derringer’s bravado. Their public rivalry is legendary, making headlines and diplomatic meetings tense affairs, but when a global conspiracy places both leaders in the crosshairs of an enemy more formidable than any intelligence agency anticipated, they have no choice but to team up. And in true buddy-action fashion, this alliance is as volatile as it is necessary. With the fate of the free world at stake, and an adversary closing in fast, the duo sets out on a perilous, often hilarious journey that takes them across countries, dodging bullets, trading insults, and learning—begrudgingly—that they might just need each other to survive.

While the setup might remind some viewers of past odd-couple films like Lethal Weapon or 48 Hrs., Ilya Naishuller—whose previous films Hardcore Henry and Nobody redefined what action could look like in the modern age—elevates the formula with his signature kinetic direction and flair for absurdity. His unique ability to blend ultra-stylized violence with genuine emotional beats is on full display here, and it’s enhanced by the sharp screenplay penned by Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and Harrison Query. It’s worth noting that Harrison Query also conceived the original story, which blends traditional spy-thriller beats with satirical swipes at the absurdities of modern politics. The result is a film that doesn’t just explode with action, but with commentary—albeit served with a wink.

The cast supporting this power duo is an embarrassment of riches. Priyanka Chopra Jonas makes a striking appearance as Noel Bisset, an MI6 agent with nerves of steel and a disdain for both her so-called “leaders.” Bisset isn't just a third wheel—she's the functional adult in the room, often tasked with keeping these two egos from imploding before the enemy catches up. Carla Gugino lends her gravitas to what appears to be a high-ranking American intelligence figure, while Jack Quaid steps into a comedic relief role that still manages to surprise with depth. Stephen Root, Paddy Considine, Sarah Niles, and Richard Coyle all bring flavor and dimension to a narrative that spans continents and power structures. The chemistry between cast members is electric, and it’s clear that everyone involved is having as much fun onscreen as the audience is intended to offscreen.

Production on Heads of State began in London in May 2023, with subsequent shoots taking place in Liverpool, notably in the historic and cinematic St George’s Hall, before moving to Trieste, Italy for adrenaline-pumping chase scenes that give the film its international espionage edge. By May 2024, cameras were rolling in Belgrade, Serbia, further adding to the film's jet-setting authenticity. It’s not just a chase across nations—it’s a visual feast of old-world architecture meeting modern carnage, with every location helping underscore the high stakes and ridiculousness of two heads of state running from assassins in tuxedos.

The film’s technical pedigree is equally impressive. Cinematographer Ben Davis—whose work includes Marvel epics and gritty indies alike—frames the action with the urgency of a thriller and the polish of a political drama. Editor Tom Harrison-Read keeps the pace breakneck but never chaotic, balancing laugh-out-loud sequences with moments of genuine suspense. The score, composed by the ever-reliable Steven Price, swells with orchestral bravado while making space for sly nods to classic action motifs. It’s a production that knows what it’s doing—and does it all with a wink and a raised eyebrow.

What makes Heads of State particularly enticing is how it leans into current cultural and political anxieties with humor rather than cynicism. The idea of world leaders being forced to survive together, outside their comfort zones, not only provides a fertile ground for comedy, but also subtly suggests the importance of empathy and teamwork in leadership. As ridiculous as it sounds, seeing John Cena and Idris Elba go from taking verbal jabs at each other to taking bullets for each other might just feel cathartic in an age of relentless political polarization. It's not subtle, but it doesn't need to be. This is a film where nuance rides shotgun to spectacle—and that’s exactly the point.

In a crowded summer lineup, Heads of State stands out not just for its star power, but for its tone—a gleeful, genre-bending celebration of chaos, camaraderie, and the occasional slow-motion explosion. As July 2 approaches, Prime Video subscribers should mark their calendars. Because whether you come for the absurd premise, the A-list cast, or the promise of John Cena and Idris Elba yelling at each other while hanging from a helicopter over Venice, Heads of State looks like it’s about to be the action-comedy event of the summer—and one that might even remind us, between laughs and explosions, of the absurd humanity at the heart of power.

Synopsis :
British Prime Minister Sam Clarke and US President Will Derringer have a very public and unfriendly rivalry that threatens the “special relationship” between their countries. But when they become the target of a powerful and ruthless foreign enemy, who proves more formidable than the security forces of both leaders, they are forced to rely on the only two people they can trust: each other. Eventually allied with brilliant MI6 agent Noel Bisset, they must escape and find a way to work together long enough to foil a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world.

Heads of State
Directed by Ilya Naishuller
Written by Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Harrison Query
Story by Harrison Query
Produced by Peter Safran, John Rickard
Starring John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino
Cinematography : Ben Davis
Edited by Tom Harrison-Read
Music by Steven Price
Production companies : Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Safran Company, Big Indie Pictures
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios (via Prime Video)
Release date : July 2, 2025 (United States, France)
Running time : NC