Interview | Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena on filming their action comedy ‘Heads of State’

In a world of bulletproof protagonists and high-stakes diplomacy, Heads of State finds its sweet spot — somewhere between action comedy and genre disruption. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film presents an unusual premise: a buddy comedy set against the backdrop of a fraying NATO alliance. Two clashing world leaders — the embattled UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) and the newly elected President of the United States Will Derringer (John Cena) — find themselves under threat from a terrorist organisation. The only person who can save them is the sharp-witted and steel-spined MI6 operative Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas). 

From Quantico to Citadel, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is no stranger to high-octane, femme-forward face-offs. In a conversation with The Hindu Weekend in London, the actor describes her character in Heads of State as “the muscle of the film.” 

“I think it was fun for me that the film was intentionally written like that,” says Priyanka. “My character is surrounded by these men and still holds her own. It makes me really proud to be at a point in my life where I have always fought to have agency in characters — and to actually be at a point in entertainment where that’s important to the filmmaker. That took a lot of conversations. I’m really proud to be here, and to be part of a film where, from the producers to the actors to the director, this was always the North Star for my character.” 

That shift — from fighting for inclusion to influencing the terms of inclusion — has taken nearly a decade of perseverance. 

“Ten years of pounding the pavement,” she recalls, reflecting on her transition into global entertainment. “To be cast in roles with agency, versus being a diversity check — like ‘cast the Indian woman’ — that’s a big deal. This movie was written like that from the start, and that makes me love it even more,” she says.

Director Ilya Naishuller, known for his outlandish action-comedies such as Hardcore Henry and Nobody, calls Heads of State his most creatively fulfilling project to date. He says that although he was familiar with Priyanka’s work in both Hollywood and Bollywood, he was struck by her commitment on set. 

“She’s not one of those actors who leaves once their scenes are done — she hangs around, wanting to observe and understand the process. We’re similar in that sense — two outsiders (he is a Russian film director) wanting to make it big in America,” says Ilya.

WWE legend John Cena has successfully transitioned into the second act of his career — from wrestler to action star to a somewhat chaotic American President. Unpacking the many layers of his character, John reflects on the fine balance between its contradictions. 

Talking about his role, John says, “The chaos magnet? Maybe that’s his stubbornness. The reluctant diplomat? That’s a search for admiration. The movie star? That comes from thriving in an environment that values performance over policy. I think you can take your character’s traits as written on the page and then figure out the ‘why.’ Why are they the way they are?” 

The genre-blending film is also a career pivot for John, who has played everything from a peacekeeper in The Suicide Squad to a villain in the Fast and Furious franchise, and a soldier in The Wall. 

“You’re comparing apples to apples, in that they’re both entertainment,” he says. “But this is a family-friendly action comedy — not an R-rated, dark superhero movie. The only real similarity is that they’re both made to entertain.” 

Though he confesses that a complex wrestling move is tougher than delivering a comedic monologue on screen, he adds with a grin — “Whether it’s a back body drop or a funny line — only one gets edited. The stunt happens live. That’s the harder one to pull off.” 

Bringing her signature self-deprecating charm, Priyanka matches John beat for beat, saying, “I want you to believe I do it for real, and that I’m that strong.” She then mock-confesses, “Okay, fine — when I’m busting through a door? The stunt team pulls it off the hinges.” 

Priyanka will be playing avenger once again, in Frank E. Flowers’ swashbuckling action drama The Bluff, followed by S.S. Rajamouli’s SSMB29, which marks her return to Indian cinema. 

In the real world, she has busted down doors — and claimed her seat at the table. Reflecting on her journey from seeking access to becoming a central part of the narrative, she says, “As a girl, and as an Indian actor from outside America, wanting to be a part of Hollywood or global entertainment is a dream many share around the world. To actually get a seat at that table takes a lot of work. I feel very grateful to be here — and I want to create space for others, even as I continue seeking opportunities for my own community.” 

Heads of State is currently streaming on Prime Video.