Ilya Naishuller Says “We’d Be Lucky to Have Her” — On Casting Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Heads of State

Director Ilya Naishuller Opens Up About Casting Priyanka Chopra Jonas as MI6 Agent Noel Bisset in Heads of State

Filmmaker Ilya Naishuller, acclaimed for directing high-octane action films like Hardcore Henry and Nobody, has spoken candidly about casting Priyanka Chopra Jonas in his latest action-comedy Heads of State, currently streaming on Prime Video. The film features an all-star cast including John Cena and Idris Elba, but for Naishuller, Chopra Jonas was always the first and only choice for the female lead.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Naishuller said that once her name came up for the role of MI6 agent Noel Bisset, the decision felt “inevitable.” He admitted, “She’s the only actress I talked to for this movie… I thought we’d be lucky to have her.”

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A Zoom Call That Sealed the Deal: How Priyanka Chopra Jonas Impressed the Director in Just Seconds

The decision to cast Priyanka Chopra Jonas wasn’t made in a boardroom—it happened over a casual Zoom call that lasted mere minutes. Naishuller described how, within 45 seconds, Chopra Jonas charmed him with her grounded demeanor and natural charisma. She appeared on-screen wearing a cozy sweater, seated casually on her couch, and yet exuded the kind of confidence that made a lasting impression.

“She was just chilling and being herself, and we had this really honest conversation,” he said. “I realized we shared a lot in common in terms of our careers and ambition.”

Shared Career Journeys Made Naishuller Respect Chopra Jonas Even More

Naishuller, who transitioned from being a musician and filmmaker in Russia to making films in Hollywood, found resonance in Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s journey from Bollywood stardom to global recognition. “She had everything in India but still chose to start fresh in America. That takes courage. That’s not just ambition; it’s bravery,” he said.

The director admired how she built her Hollywood career from the ground up, comparing her risk-taking spirit to his own professional evolution. This shared determination became another reason why he felt confident about casting her in a film that demands both strength and emotional range.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas Brings Strength, Grace, and Curiosity to the Set

Once production began, Naishuller noticed that Priyanka Chopra Jonas was not only professional but consistently curious and engaged. “Every time we relit a scene, she’d grab an apple box, sit next to us and ask, ‘How’s it going? What are you guys doing?’” he recalled.

Her collaborative spirit and readiness to dive deep into the creative process contributed significantly to balancing out the dynamic energy of Cena and Elba. “She once said, ‘I feel like a third wheel here,’ and I told her, ‘It’s a tricycle,’” Naishuller joked.

Female Empowerment at the Forefront: Chopra Jonas as a Tactical MI6 Agent

Unlike many typical portrayals of female leads in action films, Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays a vital and commanding role in Heads of State. As Noel Bisset, an MI6 operative with sharp instincts and tactical intelligence, she becomes a key figure in helping resolve international tensions in the plot.

Chopra Jonas has frequently advocated for strong female roles, and this one clearly aligns with that ethos. “Her character is nobody’s assistant. She’s not here to look pretty. She moves the story forward,” Naishuller said. The character’s strategic importance in the film underlines her place as an equal among action titans like Cena and Elba.

A Director’s Shift in Tone: Blending Action and Comedy in a Jackie Chan-Inspired World

Naishuller, known for intense, stylistic violence in his earlier films, wanted Heads of State to break new ground. He aimed to create a comedy-action hybrid with an energetic, light-hearted tone—something that hasn’t been seen much in modern Hollywood.

“I grew up watching Jackie Chan movies where the comedy makes the action more impactful,” Naishuller explained. “This is the first time I’ve gone all-in on humor, and it works because the stakes still feel real. There’s chaos, bullets, and ridiculous moments—but grounded enough to stay emotionally engaging.”

Behind-the-Scenes Moments and Priyanka’s Real-Life Charm

Even off-screen, Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a mark on her co-stars and crew. Whether it was dealing with wardrobe malfunctions on the red carpet with grace or sharing light moments during intense shoot days, she maintained an air of authenticity.

During press events, she shared anecdotes about her daughter, Malti Marie, visiting her on set and enjoying time with the crew. The actress’s ability to balance motherhood, global fame, and the demands of a physically challenging role only added to the respect she received from the team.

Star Power Amplified by a Stellar Ensemble Cast and International Locations

In addition to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Heads of State features an ensemble cast that includes Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Sarah Niles, and Stephen Root. Filming took place across vibrant international locations including London, Italy, Serbia, and Liverpool, adding visual depth to the film’s geopolitical narrative.

Produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard, with Cena and Elba also serving as executive producers, the film has already garnered attention for its punchy trailer and the trio’s electric chemistry.

Early Audience Reception Celebrates Chopra Jonas’s Performance

Since the film’s release on July 2, 2025, on Prime Video, viewers have praised Priyanka Chopra Jonas for holding her own in scenes brimming with action, humor, and explosive set-pieces. Fans and critics alike have highlighted her ability to mix dramatic depth with comedic timing—skills that continue to solidify her standing as a global icon.

Social media buzz is especially focused on her interactions with Cena and Elba, with viewers calling her “the glue” that holds the film together.

Heads of State is more than just another summer action flick—it’s a showcase of charm, clever storytelling, and strong characters. At the heart of it is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whose presence not only enhances the narrative but also proves, once again, why she remains one of the most bankable and respected actors working today.

As Ilya Naishuller put it, “We didn’t just need a third person. We needed her.”