Priyanka Chopra Praises “Heads of State” Team for Valuing Strong Female Lead

In an exclusive statement, global icon Priyanka Chopra has lauded the makers of her latest action-comedy, “Heads of State,” for their commitment to featuring a powerful female character at the heart of the narrative. Chopra, who portrays the sharp MI6 agent Noel Bisset alongside Hollywood heavyweights John Cena and Idris Elba, emphasized the significance of her role having “agency” rather than being merely “ornamental.”

“I want to be proud of the work that I take on,” Chopra stated, “So I try to take on characters that have agency and are strong and have something to do in the movies versus being ornamental.”

The actress revealed that director Ilya Naishuller’s vision from the outset was crucial in shaping Noel Bisset as a formidable presence. “I feel it was Ilya Naishuller’s intention from the very beginning when he first spoke to me about the movie, he felt it was really important to have a woman at the helm,” Chopra shared. She highlighted the humor and deeper emotional resonance in the image of her character, even at 5’7″, commanding the two imposing male leads. “Just the image of me, at five-foot-seven even with heels on, telling both of these guys to stay in their lane, it was so funny to me. That alone made me want to do the movie. I thought, that’s hilarious, but on a deeper level, emotionally, it really mattered to Ilya.”

Chopra further commended the crew, stating, “Even though the film is led by a lot of men, these are men who are feminists, who understand the value of creating a role like this. Roles like this don’t come around often, so I was very happy to be part of the ride.”

Her character, Noel Bisset, is described as a strategist, “10 steps ahead” and always planning, traits that Chopra admires. This dedication to crafting intelligent and capable female characters aligns with Chopra’s career choices in Hollywood, where she has consistently taken on roles that require a blend of intellect, wit, and physical prowess, from “Quantico” to “Citadel.”

“Heads of State,” now streaming on Prime Video, sees Chopra’s MI6 agent coming to the aid of the US President (John Cena) and British Prime Minister (Idris Elba) as they become targets of a global conspiracy. The film has been praised for its blend of high-octane action and sharp comedy, with Chopra’s performance being a significant highlight. Her ability to hold her own and even steal scenes amidst a strong male cast underscores the very value of a strong female lead that she speaks of.

Chopra’s comments offer a refreshing perspective on the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where the demand for nuanced and impactful female roles is growing. Her satisfaction with being part of a project that champions such representation serves as an encouraging sign for audiences seeking more diverse and empowering narratives on screen.