Priyanka Chopra broke the doors in Heads of State and John became President

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In the new action comedy “Heads of State,” Priyanka Chopra and Jonas play an MI6 operative who saves world leaders while John Cena becomes the American president.
The film blends high-stakes diplomacy and buddy comedy elements, creating something fresh in the action genre.
Priyanka Chopra : “I am the muscle of this film”
“My character makes her own space among all these men,” Priyanka shared during a London interview.
What makes this role special is that her character was written with the agency in mind from the beginning.
“I feel very proud to be at a point in my life where I’ve always fought for agency in characters — and to get to a point in the entertainment industry where that’s important for the filmmaker.”
Decade Long Journey to Hollywood
The journey from fighting for inclusion to influencing the terms of her roles wasn’t overnight.
“It took me ten years to thrash the sidewalk,” she reflected on her Hollywood transition.
“Getting cast in roles that involve agency, instead of undergoing a diversity check — like ‘cast an Indian woman’ — is a huge thing.”
Director’s Nazar: Two outsiders who are becoming big
Russian director Ilya Naishuller, who is known for “Nobody” and “Hardcore Henry”, found a kindred spirit in Priyanka.
“She is not one of those actors who leave as soon as their scenes are over – she stays, observes and wants to understand the process.
We are similar in this sense – two outsiders who want to become big in America.”

John Cena: From Wrestling Ring to Oval Office
WWE legend John Cena keeps reinventing himself, this time as “a somewhat chaotic American President”.
Cena goes deeper when discussing the contradictions in his character:
“Chaos magnet? Maybe it’s his stubborn nature. Reluctant diplomat? It’s a search for admiration. Movie star? It comes from growing up in an environment where performance is valued more than policy.”
Wrestling vs Acting: Which is more difficult?
While Cena believes that a complex wrestling move is tougher than delivering a comedic monologue, he says with a smile, “Whether it’s a back body drop or a funny line — it’s just an edit. The stunt is live. It’s more difficult to pull off.”
Creating space for others
As Priyanka prepares to return to Indian cinema with upcoming projects like “The Bluff” and S.S. Rajamouli’s “SSMB29”, she reflects on her journey:
“As a girl, and as an Indian actor coming from outside the US, being a part of Hollywood is a dream for many people across the world.
To actually get a seat at that table is a lot of hard work.
I feel very grateful that I am here — and I want to create space for others too.”