The Heads of State cast features Idris Elba, John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Ilya Naishuller’s 2025 Amazon movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Heads of State centers on a two male politicians and a female MI6 agent. When terrorists attack Air Force One, the United States president manages to find safety with the United Kingdom prime minister. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they strategize with the help of American and British intelligence agents. Here’s every actor and character in Heads of State.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Canary Black’

Heads of State Cast: Idris Elba as Sam Clarke

Character Profile: The United Kingdom prime minister. He is a stoic man who seemingly isn’t impressed by Will’s resume. Sam develops with a bond with the U.S. president while strategizing against terrorists.

Elba’s Resume: Russell “Stringer” Bell in The Wire (2002-04), DCI John Luther in Luther (2010-19), Commandant in Beasts of No Nation (2015), Heimdall in the MCU (2011-), Bloodsport in the DCEU (2021-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End’

Heads of State Cast: John Cena as Will Derringer

Character Profile: The U.S. president. He is a former movie star with a charismatic personality. Will seeks Sam’s approval while traveling with him, both before and after a terrorist attack.

Cena’s Resume: A WWE Superstar — Also, Steven in Trainwreck (2015), Agent Burns in Bumblebee (2018), Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021), Noel in Jackpot (2024)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Brothers’

Heads of State Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset

Character Profile: An MI6 agent. She survives a terrorist attack in Spain at the beginning of the film. Noel vows to safely return Sam and Will to their respective homes.

Chopra Jonas’ Resume: Roma Bhagat in Don (2006), Mary Kom in Mary Kom (2014), Alex Parrish in Quantico ( 2015-18), Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani (2015), Victoria Leeds in Baywatch (2017)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Jackpot’

Heads of State Cast: Paddy Considine as Viktor Gradov

Character Profile: A Russian arms dealer. He is the son of a deceased scientist. Viktor vows to kill Sam and Will.

Considine’s Resume: Johnny in In America (2002), Richard in Dead Man’s Shoes (2004), Steven Prince in The World’s End (2013), Father John Hughes in Peaky Blinders (2016), Viserys Targaryen in House of the Dragon (2022-24)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Road House’

Heads of State Cast: Carla Gugino as Elizabeth Kirk

Character Profile: The U.S. vice president. She is a former CIA officer who seemingly supports Will. Elizabeth hides her true motivations.

Gugino’s Resume: Lucille in Sin City (2005), Laurie Roberts in American Gangster (2007), Sally Jupiter/Silk Spectre in Watchmen (2009), Jessie in Gerald’s Game (2017), Olivia Crane in The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Role Play’

Heads of State Cast: Stephen Root as Arthur Hammond

Character Profile: Viktor’s associate. He helps with surveillance operations. Arthur wants to live a normal life and ultimately betrays Viktor.

Root’s Resume: Milton in Jimmy James in NewsRadio (1995-99), Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland in King of the Hill (1997-2010), Milton in Office Space (1999), Monroe Fuches in Barry (2018-19), Maynard Barnes in Perry Mason (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Awareness’

The Heads of State cast also includes:

• Jack Quaid as Marty Comer
• Sarah Niles as Simone Bradshaw
• Richard Coyle as Quincy Harrington
• Alexander Kuznetsov as Sasha the Killer
• Katrina Durden as Olga the Killer
• Wade Briggs as The Chef
• Clare Foster as Cat Derringer
• Robyn Pennington as Sawyer Derringer
• Adrian Lukis as Jack Gordon
• Ingeborga Dapkunaite as Belarussian Farmer

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.