John Cena and Idris Elba Reunite in Buddy Action Comedy ‘Heads of State’

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Amazon just released an explosive and hilarious trailer for “Heads of State,” starring John Cena and Idris Elba. Described as “Air Force One” meets “Midnight Run”, the film sets up both stars as heads of state who barely survive an assassination attempt and go on an adventure to save the free world. You can watch the trailer below.

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“Heads of State” is directed by Ilya Naishuller, known for 2015’s “Hardcore Henry” and 2021’s “Nobody”.

The official logline of “Heads of State” reads, “The UK Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and US President (John Cena) have a public rivalry that risks their countries’ alliance. But when they become targets of a powerful enemy, they’re forced to rely on each other as they go on a wild, multinational run. Allied with Noel, a brilliant MI6 agent (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), they must find a way to thwart a conspiracy that threatens the free world.”

Anyone who saw 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” understands the potential of another Cena/Elba team-up. Elba starred as team leader Bloodsport in the superhero film, while Cena played Peacemaker. The rivalry between the two starts immediately when it becomes clear that both of them have been chosen because of their similar skill sets.

In the case of Cena, the success of “The Suicide Squad” helped lead him to the spinoff series “Peacemaker,” whose second season releases on Max this August.

While we’re guaranteed to see more of Cena as Peacemaker, so far it seems doubtful we’ll see Elba return as the marksman Bloodsport. In spite of being James Gunn’s apparent springboard into becoming co-head of DC Studios, “The Suicide Squad” will apparently not be getting a sequel.

At least that’s what Gunn told Collider in 2023. Instead, certain characters from “The Suicide Squad” would continue to pop up in the DCU, such as in “Peacemaker” as well as the animated series “Creature Commandos”. There’s also the spinoff series “Waller,” however, that seems to have hit some snags during development. “Waller” was originally meant to release before Season 2 of “Peacemaker,” but plans apparently changed.

Along with Cena, Elba, and Jonas, “Heads of State” stars Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle, and Paddy Considine. The film releases on Amazon Prime Video on July 2, 2025.

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