Heads Of State: Cast & Character Guide

Heads of State has a star-studded cast, which brings some real dramatic, comedic, and action-packed experience to the Prime Video film. Heads of State focuses 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 State finds a very fun balance between 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 of Prime Video’s Heads of State and where you’ve seen them before.

John Cena as Will Derringer

Born April 23, 1977

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 in The Marine. Cena gradually established himself as a strong comedic actor through a mix of family-friendly properties (like Fred: The Movie and Bumblebee) and blockbuster comedies (like Trainwreck and Blockers). Cena currently stars in Peacemaker.

Character: Will Derringer is the President of the United States in Heads 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.

Idris Elba as Sam Clarke

Born September 6, 1972

Active Since: 1994

Actor: Born in the Hackney district of East London, Idris Elba found his big break playing Stringer Bell in The Wire. Elba has become a global star thanks to his critically acclaimed performances in shows like Luther and movies like Beasts of No Nation. He’s a veteran of the MCU and the DCEU, and currently plays Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Character: Sam Clarke is the Prime Minister in Heads 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.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Noel Bisset

Born July 18, 1982

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 thriller Aitraaz catapulted her to stardom in Bollywood. Chopra has also appeared in several western productions, including the ABC thriller Quantico, the Prime Video spy series Citadel, and films like The Matrix Resurrections.

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

Head Of State Boasts A Deep Cast Of Big Stars And Notable Character Actors

One of the most impressive parts of Heads of State is 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 cast that finds the right balance between the film’s approach to comedy and action, giving Head of State an entertaining core.