Showing posts with label John Cena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Cena. Show all posts
I am doing an Indian film this year. And we should be announcing it pretty soon-Priyanka Chopra
10:11 AM
Priyanka Chopra announces her desi move in a chat with mid-day, along with her Heads Of State co-star, John Cena, who she’d love to watch in a Hindi film too
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; July 10, 2025)
The Amazon Prime Video flagship film, Heads Of State, opens with Priyanka Chopra Jonas slithering through a truck during crackerjack stunt sequences, at the La Tomatina festival, in Buñol, Spain.
Now, where do Indians know this annual August gathering that involves pelting tomatoes from?
Chiefly, Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Which was the movie Zoya made before Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), starring Priyanka in it.
Zoya and her brother Farhan Akhtar were set to do another film (Jee Le Zaraa) with Priyanka, that’s yet to take off. Many Indians, on the other hand, would’ve watched Heads Of State, because of Priyanka.
Only natural then to ask when do we see her back on the Indian screen? It’s been a while.
Priyanka says, “I am doing an Indian film this year. And we should be announcing it pretty soon!” To which her Heads Of State co-star John Cena instantly butts in, “Well, didn’t you just announce it [now]?”
Priyanka laughs, “Well. I just said I am doing an Indian movie. The rest you can speculate, but I’m excited about it.”
This banter closes the quick chat with mid-day between crossover star, Priyanka, and the American actor, professional wrestler, John, before the London première of Ilya Naishuller’s Heads Of State.
Wherein John plays the US President, who used to be an action star. That’s apt casting, alright. And you wonder if there are shades in that performance that remind you of other action stars, say Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became a top politician himself.
John is emphatic, “No. I try not to imitate. If any correlation shows, it’s by chance. The job title is enough. When you say, ‘President of the United States’, those words have global reach, and people have something in mind [to do with them, anyway].
“The takeaway is: It’s an important job. And the movie is [about this] ‘important job’ put in a situation they don’t understand. The script reads: he’s empathetic, positive, arrogant, stuffy, stubborn… You can take all of this, and form your own ideas [about the role].”
John is paired opposite Idris Elba as the UK Prime Minister for the US Prez’s frenemy in Heads Of State. Both of whom get locked into a fun verbal duel inside the American presidential plane, Air Force One, that gets attacked.
These are top heads of states somehow looking to politically save the world. Guess who’s there to save them in person? Priyanka, as an MI6 agent.
For a film with two male hunks for heroes, it’s instructive that the best action set-pieces are reserved for the female lead. Also, Priyanka’s been global-mainstream for long enough that her character needs no South Asian roots, or any other kinda ethnic explanation.
Unlike, say, her debut in the US as Alex Parrish — in the ABC TV show Quantico (2015-18) — who was of Indian descent. It’s been a decade since. In Heads Of State, Priyanka plays Noelle Bisset. Period.
Which is obviously the rarest of such seamless East-West mainstream transitions. We wonder how it’s to deal with the press from both parts of the world.
Priyanka says, “It’s very different. In India, the interviews are cheekier, fun, little snazzy; versus the western press, which doesn’t do that a lot, unless it’s entertainment media. The second difference is the familiarity with my work. Which the western media doesn’t have that much of. As against [the fact that] we’ve known each other’s history for 20 years!”
That’s basically the press that can tell John Abraham from John Cena. In fact, Priyanka says the latter John would kill it in desi movies too: “Are you kidding me? He’d be amazing!”
John jokes, “I’ve been seriously trying!” Both John and Priyanka have no dearth of fans in either hemisphere. “No one’s casting John. Please cast John in a Hindi movie, I’d love that,” Priyanka laughs.
The last we met Priyanka was when she’d emerged from a shower. This was during the shoot of the second season of the Prime Video spy-series, Citadel, which hasn’t dropped yet.
But her backbreaking action on that show is only topped by the topsy-turvy moves in Heads Of State. If you’re a stunt fan, consider her stairwell sequence in the film’s finale.
Takes a toll? Priyanka argues, it’s the “trust with the [stunt] team you’re working with” that’s of essence here: “My stunt-double Anisha Tee Gibbs, who works closely with me, was the same on Citadel and Heads Of State. I did actually three back-to-back [projects] with her.
“Because it’s easier. We have our own short-hand. She’ll do all the rehearsals, and the runs before. And then show me exactly what I’m supposed to do. That’s crucial for the physicality of it.”
The rest, one supposes, is timing, and chemistry. Priyanka also plays the former love-interest of the UK PM, as in Idris Elba, in Heads Of State.
Idris’s character being the thoroughly sober, statesman-like. Which is in sharp contrast to John’s gregarious part, given to losing his lid every once in a while. John and Idris have earlier starred together in the super-hero film, The Suicide Squad (2021).
Once you meet John though, you realize, his actual self is in even sharper contrast to the role he plays in Heads Of State. He’s supremely Zen, when he talks. For a man used to being in the middle of the ring, you’ve to strain your ears to hear him well. He’s polite beyond measure.
He’s also unwittingly offered me the social-media dopamine once, I tell John. This is when I woke up, long ago, to find that he’s following me on X, formerly known as Twitter. I went over to his account, and realized, he follows over 1 million people on X!
How does one even follow over a million people on X? John remarks, “That’s only because they cut me off at following a thousand a day!” Incredible. And what does that say about him?
He reveals, “In a world where we are so braggadocious about followers, my concept with X is to be inclusive. And I’m very braggadocious about those I follow. My goal is to have an open conversation with people from all walks of life.I know there’s a lot of negativity, and impressionable groups out there. I don’t wanna ignore them.”
Spoken truly like a head of state — that we all wish to have, or wish we had!
Priyanka Chopra was wonderful; she’d finish her shot and then sit with the crew to chat-Ilya Naishuller
8:54 AM
Balancing explosive action, sharp humour, and a touch of heart, director Ilya Naishuller unpacks the making of his latest
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2025)
The new action-comedy Heads Of State now streaming on Prime Video brings together actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Idris Elba and John Cena in a globe-trotting adventure packed with adrenaline and sly humour. In London, UK, we caught up with director Ilya Naishuller to talk about the experience of directing this powerhouse ensemble, why comedy is harder than action, and the surprising message tucked beneath the spectacle.
Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, and John Cena — three big stars. Who among them was the most fun on set, the most serious, and the most receptive to direction?
All three were incredibly receptive to direction — true director’s actors. Each brought a collaborative spirit and was fully committed to serving the film. It’s hard to choose one over the others. In terms of fun, Priyanka was wonderful—she’d finish her shot and then sit with the crew to chat. John, on the other hand, would improvise hilarious lines for ten minutes straight if you didn’t say “cut”—we couldn’t always use them, but they kept the atmosphere lively. There wasn’t a single weak link among them. What stood out was the mutual respect and the way they supported and elevated each other throughout the shoot.
As a director, what’s more challenging — directing action or directing comedy?
Comedy, definitely. A punch is a punch — you know what it looks like and how to choreograph it. But comedy is subjective, and making people laugh across cultures is tough. Since this is a global film, striking the right balance was crucial. Interestingly, for the first time in my career, I had to cut good jokes — not because they weren’t funny, but to keep the pacing tight. Choosing which one-liner to keep was a new kind of creative challenge for me.
The one-liners really do land well. Was that an intentional focus during filming?
Thank you. Yes, the humour was definitely a major focus. Comedy, much like horror, relies on timing and surprise. But great comedy, like great horror, takes more than that. We worked hard to ensure the humour supported the story and didn’t feel forced. I’ve heard musicals are the hardest genre to direct, maybe that’s next.
There’s a scene in the film that explains what NATO does and the need for global cooperation. Was that always part of the script, or did it evolve later?
That idea was part of the film’s DNA, but the execution evolved. The main goal was always to deliver an entertaining film. But I did want to include a message that resonates globally. The character played by John Cena is optimistic and hopeful, while Idris’s character is more hardened and serious — but both care deeply about their people. In my mind, the ideal leader would be a blend of both — someone hopeful and driven, but also grounded and responsible. That dynamic works well in the film and mirrors what we need more of in the real world: empathy, cooperation, and an openness to learning from those we don’t always agree with.
Finally, if you had to sum up Heads Of State for Indian viewers in one line, what would it be?
Just one word — fun. It’s an hour and 45 minutes of pure entertainment. It’ll make you laugh, thrill you with action, and help you forget everything else for a while.
My character was telling off these big, powerful men, so I had a lot of reasons to do Heads Of State-Priyanka Chopra
9:21 AM
Actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and John Cena tell us what drew them to Heads of State, talk about the WWE fandom in India, and more
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2025)
It can be difficult to make political rivalries, espionage, and high global stakes funny, but director Ilya Naishuller’s Heads Of State manages to strike a balance. And Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays an MI6 agent tasked with protecting top politicians in the film, is thrilled at the response that the film has received since it dropped online on Wednesday.
The actor — joined by her co-star John Cena — speaks to us in London about shooting the action comedy, playing a strong female character in a male-dominated genre, and the OTT vs theatre debate. Excerpts:
What was it about the film’s script that got you excited? Did it take some deliberation or was it an instant ‘yes’?
Priyanka: I loved Ilya’s films Hardcore Henry (2015) and Nobody (2021), so it was a no-brainer for me. I read [the script] and it was laugh-out-loud funny. Plus, my character was telling off these big, powerful men, so I had a lot of reasons to do it (laughs). We got to shoot in London and the South of France; filming with John and Idris (Elba, actor) was a lot of fun.
John: It was an easy yes. Sometimes, when making decisions, we ask ourselves, ‘What can go wrong?’ With [this film], I asked myself, ‘What’s gonna go right?’ I’m glad I did, because the enthusiasm was shared by everybody in the movie, both in the front of and behind the camera. That really made for a heck of a movie.
There’s been ongoing chatter about the OTT space versus theatrical releases in India. Since your film dropped on Prime Video on Wednesday, do you think people will stop going to theatres elsewhere in the world, too?
Priyanka: I just think that they are two different mediums of entertainment. I do think that streaming has brought a diversity of talents in front of and behind the camera, especially in the Indian film industry. I think it’s an evolving thing; but the communal experience and collective joy of watching something in theatres is never going to go away.
John, you’re loved as both a wrestler and an actor, and have a huge fan following in India. Are there any plans to work in Indian movies in the future?
John: I just haven’t got that offer yet. I don’t necessarily control my own destiny; the best I can do is react to opportunities that are put my way. What I can tell you matter-of-factly is, I’ve been aware of the passion for WWE in India for over 20 years now. I would not be where I’m at today without the investment and the passion of the audience in India. I’m very grateful for that.
Why should people watch Heads Of State?
Priyanka: It’s a really fun movie and my favourite genre — it makes you laugh, hold onto your seat, and gets you excited. There’s fun jokes, big explosions and just a great experience. I think it’s one of those movies which you watch with your family and friends for the collective experience.
PeeCee, Nick’s berries-and-cream date
Taking a breather between promotions, Priyanka and hubby, actor-singer Nick Jonas arrived at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on Tuesday. Seated in the Royal Box, the couple watched Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz beat British player Oliver Tarvet at the Centre Court. Priyanka’s co-star John Cena, American popstar Olivia Rodrigo and British actor Louis Partridge were also present.
Randeep Hooda to star with John Cena in Sam Hargrave’s next
8:12 AM
The actor has reunited with the Extraction director for his second Hollywood film
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 24, 2025)
Randeep Hooda, who had a pivotal role in Sam Hargrave’s Extraction (2020), headlined by Chris Hemsworth, will feature in the filmmaker’s next film, too. The actor has been cast alongside John Cena in Sam’s upcoming action movie Matchbox.
This will be Randeep’s second American film and fourth international collaboration. Besides Extraction, Sam is also behind the stunts and action in films, including Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War, Thor Ragnarok and Suicide Squad among others.
Talking about it, Randeep told BT, “I am excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration; he is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest where they are shooting.”
Back home, Randeep has been shooting for Jaat, which is being directed by Gopichand Malineni, co-starring Sunny Deol and is set to start shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj’s next soon.
There are things you can watch on TV at home, not Fast & Furious 9, say Justin Lin, Vin Diesel, John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez
8:20 AM
The stars of Fast & Furious 9 – Vin Diesel, John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez – and director Justin Lin talk about releasing the film on big screens amid the pandemic, female representation in action films & more
Abhimanyu Mathur (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2021)
The pandemic has made Zoom calls and virtual meetings quite commonplace, even when it comes to a press meet of one of the biggest movie franchises in the world. Earlier this week, we interacted with the stars of the upcoming F9 (Fast & Furious 9) — Vin Diesel, John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez, along with director Justin Lin — virtually. The stars spoke about the responsibility of reviving cinema in the theatres through the muchanticipated film, female representation in action films, and (yes, it’s true) the film, including an action sequence set in space.
Vin Diesel has been the face of the franchise for two decades. Talking about the film’s theatrical release during the pandemic, he said, “It feels incredible to be a part of something that will bring the world together. I think we, as a society, never anticipated that we could be losing by not being able to be entertained together as a community. It’s something special when there is a packed audience — with your family and friends — in a theatre. To be a part of the return of the theatrical experience is something that feels so right and something I am proud of.”
‘WE WERE VERY COMMITTED TO THE CINEMA EXPERIENCE’
Although the last few months have seen big budget releases such as Tenet and Godzilla Vs Kong, they failed to provide the push many had been expecting for reviving the theatres in the post-COVID era. The movie industry is now banking on F9, as the franchise’s previous two instalments earned in excess of $1 billion at the box office. The film’s director Justin Lin said he was committed to having this movie release in the theatres, even if it meant holding the release for over a year after the first trailer dropped. He elaborated, “We were so committed to the cinema experience. We were all on the phone, constantly talking about finding the right time to be able to share this with the world, so that we can all go to the theatres and watch it. There are things you can watch on TV at home, but not this.”
‘I AM GETTING TO BE A PART OF A LEGACY THAT IS TWO DECADES LONG’
The movie brings in wrestler-turned actor John Cena as the primary antagonist and Cena says he is living out his dream by being a part of it. He said, “I don’t lose sight of the opportunity I am getting to be a part of a legacy that is two decades long, where these people have devoted their lives and put their physical health on line to maintain the reputation that goes along with these movies. I knew full well going in that I would be sized up but I’m also a super geek fan of the franchise. I love what the movies are and what a life-changing opportunity it is to be invited into this.”
‘IT’S QUITE BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH THE GIRLS IN ACTION IN THIS ONE’
Action films have often been criticised for focussing too much on the male leads and reducing the female characters to props. However, the film’s female lead Michelle Rodriguez — a veteran of the franchise — feels that F9 is different because of how the writers and director Lin approached the female characters here. “I’ve never been prouder of female presence in the franchise. I give props to the studio for including a female writer on the film, and Justin has been really good with strong women. He developed Gal Gadot’s character in Fast Five. It’s beautiful to watch the girls in action in this one,” she said.
‘SPOKE TO ACTUAL ROCKET SCIENTISTS WHILE RESEARCHING FOR THIS FILM’
In the past, each subsequent film in the franchise has featured one outlandish action sequence and it has been a running Internet joke for a few years that one of these days, a film will have Vin Diesel piloting a rocket ship just to outdo the previous ones. Well, that is almost happening because F9 features an action sequence set in space.
Talking about the ‘insane’ sequence, Lin said, “I think it’s our responsibility that every time we get an opportunity to do one of these films, we have to push it. To me, it wasn’t like an agenda that we had to do. It was very organic. I felt like I went back to school actually because I had been talking to literal rocket scientists for the research. It actually felt amazing.”
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