given us some of the best movie moments across decades. You know, when you take these great characters and throw them into wild situations – it’s pure escapism,” he says.“One second you’re laughing, the next you’re on the edge of your seat. Heads Of State is really our love letter to those Nineties classics like Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills Cop – big action, big characters.” “It’s totally an homage to those great Eighties/ Nineties action comedies like Die Hard and Arnold [Schwarzenegger]’s movies – where you’ve got humour mixed with explosions and heroes somehow surviving everything,” agrees Chopra Jonas.“It’s fast-paced and really captures that classic feel.” With Hardcore Henry director Naishuller running things, it’s no wonder.“After seeing his work on Nobody and Hardcore Henry, I knew he’d bring something really original to this,” says Idris, while Cena adds:“Ilya’s been amazing – he’s so focused on getting the perfect visual take that I get tons of practice. I’m not formally trained, so working with these pros is like getting a daily masterclass.”
While there’s many a joke about Cena’s president not being able to use a gun, and Elba proves handy in a fistfight, Chopra Jonas is the standout action hero of the movie. From performing expert commando roles to blowing stuff up with spot-on comic timing, she’s all over it.“She’s going to be one of the most talked-about action stars next year – she just kicks ass and makes it look effortless,” buzzes Elba.“What surprised me was how funny she is. I mean, I knew she was funny in real life, but seeing her in a comedy role like this was something else.” For Chopra Jonas,“the whole experience has been amazing, but what makes it really special is that it’s my daughter’s first time on a movie set.” She shares her toddler daughter, Malti, with her husband, singer and actor Nick Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers. “Everyone on the crew was so wonderful, and it’s rare to form such lasting relationships on a film. Usually people just scatter after shooting, but this one felt different.”
Heads Of State came to Prime Video on Wednesday, July 2
Photo: Priyanka Chopra as Noel Bisset.
Photo: Idris Elba as Sam Clarke and John Cena as Will Derringer.
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