
Where was ‘Heads of State' shot? The locations behind Idris Elba's new action-comedy
Think Midnight Run meets Air Force One, with director Ilya Naishuller (Nobody) promising 'a throwback to the buddy movies of the 1980s and '90s… shot through a modern lens'.
Heads of State is made all the more enjoyable by its bickering comic duo: Idris Elba's ex-SAS-trained Prime Minister Sam Clarke, and John Cena's US President and action movie star Will Derringer. It's co-written by Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol pair Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec.
To give the film a global scale, Naishuller and his crew shot in four European countries. 'This is a true road movie where we actually travel the world to capture an eclectic cross section of backdrops,' explains producer John Rickard.
But where exactly was Heads of Stat e shot? Take a look below to find out.
What happens in Heads of State?
Clarke and Derringer have a very public rivalry. As an SAS-trained veteran, Clarke looks down on Hollywood action star Derringer. Clarke is particularly frustrated because, while he's a career politician who struggled his way up to become Prime Minister, Derringer is hugely popular across the world after recently being elected. With tensions simmering between the pair, the countries' special relationship is at risk.
Derringer and Clarke are forced to fly to a NATO summit in Italy together to show that there are no hard feelings. On the way, though, Air Force One is shot down. Still intent on getting to the summit, they're soon joined by MI6 agent Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), who vows to keep them safe. Derringer and Clarke have to work together to not just stay alive, but to also figure out who tried to kill them.
Where was Heads of State filmed?
Elba, Cena and co had their own Eurotrip making Heads of States, venturing to France, England, Serbia, and Italy for filming.
The tomato festival was filmed in Sospel, France
Heads of States' opening sequence – where Noel chases Paddy Considine's international arms dealer — unfolds at the Tomatino Festival. The tomato-flinging event, the world's biggest food fight, has been held annually in Buñol, Spain since 1945.
Unable to film in Spain (or use actual tomatoes), Heads of State 's version of the Tomatino Festival sequence was actually filmed in a square in Sospel in southern France. Visual effects, SFX and props were used to recreate the tomatoey carnage. The production also used a studio in Nice to film the interiors of the final car chase (see below).
The plane crash scene was filmed at Longcross Studios, England
For the plane crash scene, the crew created a huge replica of Air Force One in Longcross Studios, Surrey. Longcross was also used for various other interior sequences, including scenes set at a Warsaw safe house.
When the plane is shot down, Clarke and Derringer land in a remote area of Belarus. Rather than Eastern Europe, production designer Niall Moroney rejigged a military base near Surrey to show the crash-landing.
Liverpool's St George's Hall and the Port of Liverpool Building cameo for scenes of a NATO summit in Trieste, Italy.
The farmyard fight was filmed in Serbia
While in Belarus, Derringer and Clarke try to hot wire a car to get to a safe house in Warsaw, Poland. However, when a group of local farmers spot them, a brawl ensues. Those scenes were filmed in Serbia.
The car chase was filmed in Trieste, Italy
At the end of Heads of State, Derringer and Clarke use the presidential SUV known as 'the Beast' in a car chase. The vehicle's interiors were filmed in France, while stunt drivers drove the car and five pursuing vehicles down the tiny, narrow streets in Trieste.
Who stars in Heads of State?
John Cena and Idris Elba share headline duties, reuniting after their collaboration on 2021's The Suicide Squad.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is best known for Prime Video action thriller series Citadel and the movies Baywatch, Isn't It Romantic, and The Matrix Resurrections. Heads of State's cast is rounded out by Paddy Considine, The Boys' Jack Quaid, Barry's Stephen Root, Ted Lasso's Sarah Niles, Sin City's Carla Gugino and District 9 star Sharlto Copley.
How can I watch Heads of State and when does it come out?
Heads of State is streaming on Prime Video from July 2.
Is there a trailer?
There is, and you can check it below.
.
The best movies of 2025 (so far).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Rhyl Journal
28 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Adams: It's a regret that end to armed campaign took decades to bring about
The former Sinn Fein president also voiced regret that it took so long to come, suggesting the UK Government was focused on 'defeating republicanism'. He also said he regretted the number of lives lost during the Troubles as he reflected on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the IRA statement. The IRA formally ended its 35-year paramilitary campaign on July 28 2005 when former republican prisoner Seanna Walsh read a statement. While a number of ceasefires had been announced and collapsed since 1994, the 2005 statement saw the start of the decommissioning of weapons. The statement said that members had been instructed to use exclusively peaceful means, and not to engage in any other activities whatsoever. Mr Adams described the move as seismic, and an 'indication of confidence' by 'all the IRA' and not just its leadership. 'The statement came after there had been some sort of internal process, a huge vote of confidence in people,' he said. 'It took decades for it to be put together. 'You have to go back to Father Alec Reid, Father Des Wilson, myself, John Hume and the endeavour to put together an alternative to armed struggle. 'It took all that time to do that, but that's what the IRA said in its statement, that they believed there was now a peaceful way to pursue republican and democratic objectives, and ordered its volunteers to not be engaged in any other activity whatsoever, and authorised contact with the International Commission on Decommissioning. 'It took decades and one of my regrets is that it took so long. In my humble opinion it took so long because the two governments, particularly the British government, only sought peace on its terms, which meant defeat the IRA, it meant defeat republicanism and that doesn't work, our people are resolute.' He added: 'The proof of it is that 20 years later the IRA isn't a feature. Some may want to make it a feature, invent, fabricate and so on, but that's the proof of it.' Asked whether he felt the IRA should issue an apology for all the lives lost by their actions, Mr Adam pointed to a statement in 2002 on the anniversary of Bloody Friday, a series of bombs across Belfast which claimed nine lives. It included an offer of 'sincere apologies and condolences' to the families of all 'non combatants' killed or injured by IRA actions. 'I think in fairness that the record will show that the IRA leadership have apologised on a number of occasions about specific incidents or operations which it was involved in, particularly around the issue of civilian casualties or fatalities,' he said. 'One of the big regrets that I have is that so many people were killed, and particularly people who weren't involved and particularly children, that's a real concern. 'I say that from a community and a family which lost loved ones in the course of all of this.' However, Mr Adams added that while he thinks it is important to look back over the last 20 years, it is also important to look forward to the next 20 years and a referendum on a united Ireland. 'One thing we can say with certainty is there is going to be a referendum on the future, the Irish Government doesn't want it, the British Government doesn't want it, unionists don't want it but there is going to be the day when people will vote for the future,' he said. 'Our responsibility, and for everyone who is concerned about the future, need to be part of the conversation well in advance of that vote. Whether it is about public services, health services, the economy, flags, emblems, taking all of those issues and trying to find solutions to them that allows everyone to be comfortable in the new Ireland. 'You rarely get the opportunity to write the future, and we now have that opportunity and its contained in the Good Friday Agreement.' 'I do know that there will be a united Ireland so whether it happens the day after I die or a couple of years before then. 'It is not inevitable, the forces against it are quite strong but if we work at it. 'If we continue to do the sensible, intelligent things that we have been trying to do, then – although I would love to live in a united Ireland – it matters little to me whether it happens after I die or before it. To be able to say in my own heart to say, 'I played a part in bringing that about', that'll do me.' Mr Adams was speaking ahead of an Feile An Phobail arts event this weekend to mark the anniversary. He will take part in a discussion alongside Mr Walsh, chaired by Sinn Fein Galway TD Mairead Farrell, at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast on Saturday.

Leader Live
28 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Four in 10 feel Muslim immigrants have negative impact on UK, polling suggests
The findings have been described by an imam as 'deeply worrying', and showing 'high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment' in Britain. The polling was commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ahead of a gathering for what it described as the UK's biggest Muslim convention – the Jalsa Salana – this weekend in Hampshire, expected to be attended by 40,000 followers of the faith. This year's convention is 'opening its doors to sceptics of Islam and those with any questions about the faith', organisers said – noting that two Reform UK voters are due to attend to hear about the religion. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Around 15% felt this way about Hindu immigrants, 14% about Sikh immigrants, 13% about Jewish immigrants and 7% about Christian immigrants. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated. Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged Labour colleagues to acknowledge people's 'real concerns', pointing out that immigration was one of a number of factors having a 'profound impact on society', as she updated Cabinet on her work on social cohesion. Some 53% of those polled said they believed Islam is not compatible with British values, while 25% said it is and 22% said they did not know. Sabah Ahmedi, aged 30 and known as 'the young imam' online – where he has a large following, said he believes fear among people 'stems from a lack of understanding of Islam'. He said: 'These findings are deeply worrying, revealing high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment in this country. 'As a British Muslim, it is tragic to think that we are disliked or hated because of our religious beliefs. It is unfair and unjust considering that the vast majority of Muslim immigrants to the UK are contributing positively.' He encouraged people to 'meet Muslims to see we are not a threat' and urged the media to 'play a role as well'. He added: 'Instead of focusing on the tiny minority of Muslim immigrants who cause harm, focus on the majority who are on the frontlines serving the NHS, our armed forces, the police, educational institutes and the like. 'We love this country and cherish its values of freedom and tolerance.' The Union flag will be raised at this weekend's gathering 'alongside the Islamic flag of our community, to symbolise that love of our faith and country go hand in hand', he said. The survey findings also indicated younger people were less likely to feel Muslim immigrants have a negative impact and that Islam is incompatible with British values. Mr Ahmedi said he was 'encouraged by these findings that seem to show that the younger generation is more open-minded and that I hope it indicates a brighter future where Muslims are not considered a threat but an asset to this society'. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK is mostly made up of people and their descendants who generally fled Pakistan in the 1980s in the face of religious persecution. Members said they now face challenges and discrimination in the UK, from some Muslims who do not agree with their version of the faith and from other people who have subjected them to racist bullying because of their Pakistani ethnicity. A Government spokesperson said: 'British Muslims have played an integral role in shaping modern Britain and have long contributed across every part of our national life. 'Nobody should face hatred, intolerance or feel unwelcome as a result of their faith or belief – and we are committed to tackling anti-Muslim hate in all its forms.'


North Wales Chronicle
28 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Four in 10 feel Muslim immigrants have negative impact on UK, polling suggests
The findings have been described by an imam as 'deeply worrying', and showing 'high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment' in Britain. The polling was commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ahead of a gathering for what it described as the UK's biggest Muslim convention – the Jalsa Salana – this weekend in Hampshire, expected to be attended by 40,000 followers of the faith. This year's convention is 'opening its doors to sceptics of Islam and those with any questions about the faith', organisers said – noting that two Reform UK voters are due to attend to hear about the religion. The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions feeling this way were much lower for other groups. Around 15% felt this way about Hindu immigrants, 14% about Sikh immigrants, 13% about Jewish immigrants and 7% about Christian immigrants. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any of the other religions stated. Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged Labour colleagues to acknowledge people's 'real concerns', pointing out that immigration was one of a number of factors having a 'profound impact on society', as she updated Cabinet on her work on social cohesion. Some 53% of those polled said they believed Islam is not compatible with British values, while 25% said it is and 22% said they did not know. Sabah Ahmedi, aged 30 and known as 'the young imam' online – where he has a large following, said he believes fear among people 'stems from a lack of understanding of Islam'. He said: 'These findings are deeply worrying, revealing high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment in this country. 'As a British Muslim, it is tragic to think that we are disliked or hated because of our religious beliefs. It is unfair and unjust considering that the vast majority of Muslim immigrants to the UK are contributing positively.' He encouraged people to 'meet Muslims to see we are not a threat' and urged the media to 'play a role as well'. He added: 'Instead of focusing on the tiny minority of Muslim immigrants who cause harm, focus on the majority who are on the frontlines serving the NHS, our armed forces, the police, educational institutes and the like. 'We love this country and cherish its values of freedom and tolerance.' The Union flag will be raised at this weekend's gathering 'alongside the Islamic flag of our community, to symbolise that love of our faith and country go hand in hand', he said. The survey findings also indicated younger people were less likely to feel Muslim immigrants have a negative impact and that Islam is incompatible with British values. Mr Ahmedi said he was 'encouraged by these findings that seem to show that the younger generation is more open-minded and that I hope it indicates a brighter future where Muslims are not considered a threat but an asset to this society'. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK is mostly made up of people and their descendants who generally fled Pakistan in the 1980s in the face of religious persecution. Members said they now face challenges and discrimination in the UK, from some Muslims who do not agree with their version of the faith and from other people who have subjected them to racist bullying because of their Pakistani ethnicity. A Government spokesperson said: 'British Muslims have played an integral role in shaping modern Britain and have long contributed across every part of our national life. 'Nobody should face hatred, intolerance or feel unwelcome as a result of their faith or belief – and we are committed to tackling anti-Muslim hate in all its forms.'