Prime Video delivers a high-stakes political thriller with G20, starring Oscar winner Viola Davis as President Danielle Sutton, who must use her military expertise to protect world leaders when terrorists seize control of the G20 summit. This action-packed film blends Air Force One intensity with Homeland-style political intrigue as President Sutton battles both the hostage-takers and the complex geopolitics threatening to escalate the crisis into global war. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, The Old Guard), G20 promises white-knuckle tension and powerful character drama in equal measure.
The all-star ensemble cast brings depth to this timely story of leadership under fire. From Anthony Anderson’s emotional turn as the First Gentleman to Antony Starr’s chilling performance as the ruthless terrorist leader, each actor elevates the material beyond typical action fare. With its blend of intense close-quarters combat, high-level political maneuvering, and a groundbreaking portrayal of a Black female president in crisis, G20 is poised to be one of 2025’s most talked-about films.
G20: Cast Guide
1. Viola Davis as President Danielle Sutton
Fresh off her historic action turn in The Woman King, Viola Davis delivers another powerhouse performance as President Sutton – a former Army Ranger turned Commander-in-Chief. Davis brings her signature intensity to the role, particularly in brutal hand-to-hand combat sequences she performed with minimal stunt doubling.
The actress worked with military consultants to perfect Sutton’s tactical decision-making and weapon handling, while also capturing the emotional weight of a leader balancing national security with personal stakes (her family is among the hostages). Her 11-minute uninterrupted “war room” monologue is already generating awards buzz.
2. Anthony Anderson as Derek Sutton
Anthony Anderson (Black-ish, Law & Order) shows dramatic range as First Gentleman Derek Sutton, who must protect their children while supporting his wife from inside the besieged summit. Anderson’s chemistry with Davis adds crucial emotional stakes to the high-octane thriller.
The actor drew on his real-life parenting experiences for scenes where Derek comforts terrified children, creating some of the film’s most heartbreaking moments. His character’s medical background (Derek is a surgeon) becomes unexpectedly vital to the plot.
3. Ramón Rodríguez as Agent Manny Ruiz
Ramón Rodríguez (The Affair, Will Trent) stars as the lead Secret Service agent, whose loyalty to Sutton is tested when protocol clashes with her unconventional tactics. Rodríguez trained extensively with real Secret Service to master protective formations and crisis response.
His character’s arc – from by-the-book protector to willing conspirator in Sutton’s risky plans – provides one of the film’s most compelling transformations. The actor’s background in dance enhanced his precise combat choreography.
4. Marsai Martin as Serena Sutton
Marsai Martin (Black-ish, Fantasy Football) delivers a breakout dramatic performance as the Suttons’ teenage daughter, who displays surprising resilience during the crisis. Martin reportedly insisted on doing her own stunt work for a harrowing escape sequence.
The young actress brings authentic Gen-Z wit and intelligence to the role, particularly in scenes where Serena uses social media savvy to aid rescue efforts. Her confrontation with Starr’s terrorist is a standout moment.
5. Antony Starr as Rutledge
The Boys’ Antony Starr terrifies as Rutledge, the calculating terrorist leader with a personal vendetta against Sutton. Starr’s chilling performance blends quiet menace with explosive violence, creating one of recent cinema’s most memorable villains.
The actor developed Rutledge’s distinctive speech patterns and physicality by studying cult leaders and special forces operatives. His ideological debates with Davis crackle with tension, elevating the film beyond simple good vs. evil dynamics.
6. Douglas Hodge as Prime Minister Oliver Everett
Tony winner Douglas Hodge (Penny Dreadful, Joker) brings gravitas as the UK Prime Minister, whose political rivalry with Sutton complicates crisis response. Hodge’s nuanced performance shows the character’s gradual respect for Sutton’s methods.
The actor’s background in Shakespeare informs his character’s eloquent but cutting remarks during high-stakes negotiations. His chemistry with Davis creates fascinating power dynamics.
7. Elizabeth Marvel as Treasury Secretary Joanna Worth
Elizabeth Marvel (Homeland, House of Cards) shines as the pragmatic Treasury Secretary forced into unexpected heroism. Marvel’s trademark intensity serves her well in action sequences that subvert expectations.
The actress worked with economic advisors to deliver complex financial crisis dialogue with authenticity. Her character’s arc from bureaucrat to warrior provides satisfying payoff.
8. Christopher Farrar as Demetrius Sutton
Christopher Farrar (The Equalizer 3, Chicago P.D.) delivers a heartfelt performance as Demetrius, the youngest Sutton child whose innocence contrasts starkly with the crisis unfolding around him. Farrar’s natural vulnerability makes Demetrius’ emotional scenes particularly impactful, especially when he must follow his mother’s military-style instructions to survive.
The young actor worked closely with Davis to develop their mother-son dynamic, resulting in tender moments that ground the film’s high-stakes action. His character’s asthma condition becomes a crucial plot point, with Farrar drawing on his own experiences with childhood illness to portray the attacks authentically.
9. Sabrina Impacciatore as Elena Romano
Fresh off her White Lotus success, Sabrina Impacciatore commands attention as Italian Prime Minister Elena Romano, whose political cunning rivals Sutton’s. Impacciatore brings fiery Mediterranean energy to the role, particularly in scenes where she challenges Sutton’s authority while secretly aiding her plans.
The actress conducted extensive research on Italian political figures, modeling Romano’s speech patterns after former PM Giorgia Meloni. Her multilingual negotiation scenes (delivered fluently in Italian, English, and French) showcase Impacciatore’s remarkable range.
10. MeeWha Alana Lee as Han Min-Seo
MeeWha Alana Lee (Pachinko, The Good Doctor) shines as South Korean delegate Han Min-Seo, whose technological expertise becomes vital to the resistance effort. Lee brings quiet intensity to the role, portraying Min-Seo’s transformation from cautious diplomat to unlikely warrior.
The actress trained in Krav Maga for her character’s surprise action hero moment, performing a stunning takedown of a much larger attacker. Her character’s subplot about divided Korean loyalties adds geopolitical depth to the narrative.
11. John Hoogenakker as Agent Darden
John Hoogenakker (The Diplomat, Jack Ryan) provides much-needed comic relief as Agent Darden, the wisecracking Secret Service veteran. His gallows humor and unexpected heroics make him an instant fan favorite.
Hoogenakker improvised many of Darden’s best lines, including a darkly funny running gag about White House cafeteria food. His chemistry with Rodríguez creates a compelling buddy-cop dynamic amidst the chaos.
12. Conrad Kemp as Bousquet
Conrad Kemp (Black Sails, Warrior) terrifies as Bousquet, Rutledge’s most brutal enforcer. Kemp’s physical presence and menacing stillness make every appearance chilling.
The South African actor developed Bousquet’s distinctive fighting style – a blend of French Savate and dirty street fighting – through months of training. His final confrontation with Davis is one of the film’s most brutal hand-to-hand combat sequences.
