Heads of Statehas a star-studded cast, which brings some real dramatic, comedic, and action-packed experience to the Prime Video film.Heads of Statefocuses on the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who already had a tense relationship even before they were forced to outrun a group of mysterious assassins targeting them. Directed by Ilya Naishuller,Heads of Statefinds a very fun balancebetween the comedic interplay of the two leads and a globe-trotting action thriller.
In the lead roles are John Cena and Idris Elba, who anchor the movie with a comedic back-and-forth that contrasts well against the film’s otherwise non-stop action. The film also boasts a deep bench of strong actors in the supporting roles, who bolster the overall experience with their own comedic swings and action beats. Here are the stars ofPrime Video’sHeads of Stateand where you’ve seen them before.
Born June 27, 2025
Active Since:1999
Actor: Born in West Newbury, Massachusetts,John Cena got his big break as a pro wrestler. This prompted WWE Studios to cast the superstar wrestler inThe Marine. Cena gradually established himself as a strong comedic actor through a mix of family-friendly properties (likeFred: The MovieandBumblebee) and blockbuster comedies (likeTrainwreckandBlockers). Cena currently stars inPeacemaker.
The Suicide Squad
Christopher Smith/Peacemaker
Character:Will Derringer is the President of the United States inHeads of State, a recently elected former movie star who took the country by storm. An inexperienced politician but a natural charmer, Derringer finds himself exasperated by his judgmental British counterpart but willing to throw himself into danger to reach a vital NATO summit in time.
Born July 28, 2025
Active Since:1994
Actor: Born in the Hackney district of East London,Idris Elba found his big break playing Stringer Bell inThe Wire. Elba has become a global star thanks to his critically acclaimed performances in shows likeLutherand movies likeBeasts of No Nation. He’s a veteran of the MCU and the DCEU, and currently plays Knuckles inSonic the Hedgehog.
Hijack
Sam Nelson
Character: Sam Clarke is the Prime Minister inHeads of State,a former field operative turned politician who genuinely wants to help his nation. A no-nonsense leader, Sam is frustrated by Will’s lack of experience and quickly tries to take charge when their situation becomes chaotic.
Born August 12, 2025
Active Since:2002
Actor: Born in the Indian city of Jamshedpur, Priyanka Chopra Jonas transitioned to the film industry after winning the Miss World 2000 pageant.Chopra’s breakout role in the romantic thrillerAitraazcatapulted her to stardom in Bollywood. Chopra has also appeared in several western productions, including the ABC thrillerQuantico, the Prime Video spy seriesCitadel, and films likeThe Matrix Resurrections.
Citadel
Nadia Sinh
Character: Noel Bisset is an agent with the UK government, serving as a field operative. After Noel finds herself entangled in the conspiracy to kill Derringer and Clarke,she meets up with the pair and works with them to uncover the true culprits targeting them. Noel also has a history with Clarke, which gives the film a surprising romantic element.
Heads Of State’s Supporting Cast & Characters
One of the mostimpressive parts ofHeads of Stateis the supporting cast of the film,using a strong mix of memorable character actors and film stars to great effect. Paddy Considine (Deep Cover) appears as Viktor Gradov, a dangerous arms dealer who is at the center of the film’s narrative.
Stephen Root (Barry) plays Arthur Hammond, a brilliant hacker who works for Gradov. Carlo Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher) is Vice President Elizabeth Kirk, serving as Derringer’s replacement at a NATO summit while the President is missing. Jack Quaid (The Boys) appears as Marty Comer,an excitable (and very funny) field agent who helps Clarke and Derringer.
Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso) appears as Simone Bradshaw, a close friend of Derringer, while Richard Coyle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) appears as her British counterpart, Quincy Harrington.It’s a fun castthat finds the right balance between the film’s approach to comedy and action, givingHead of Statean entertaining core.
