AppleTV+ - Chief of War: Jason Momoa’s Passion Project Brings the Epic History of Hawaii to Life

By Mulder, 31 january 2025

When Apple TV+ released the first image of Chief of War, excitement rippled through the entertainment world—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. This isn’t just another historical drama; it’s a labor of love for Jason Momoa, who not only stars as the fierce and conflicted warrior Ka'iana but also co-created the series with longtime collaborator Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. Slated for a grand premiere on August 1, 2025, Chief of War promises to deliver a sweeping, visceral narrative that dives deep into the tumultuous unification and colonization of Hawaii at the turn of the 18th century. What makes this project particularly thrilling is its authenticity—Jason Momoa and Sibbett, both of Hawaiian descent, have poured their heritage and soul into every detail. In fact, during early interviews, Jason Momoa was quoted saying that he had dreamt of telling this story for over two decades, patiently waiting for the right moment and the right partners to bring it to life. It's not just a TV series; for Jason Momoa, it's a way to honor his ancestors and bring Hawaiian history—so often overlooked or sanitized in Western media—into the global conversation with unflinching honesty.

Filming for Chief of War began as early as October 2022, a choice made with deliberate care. New Zealand’s breathtaking Bay of Islands was selected to double as 18th-century Hawaii, a decision that, while initially surprising to some, makes perfect sense when considering the logistical needs for a production of this scale. But the heart of the show beats strongest in scenes filmed in the lava fields of Kalapana, Hawaii—a bold choice that added a raw, authentic texture to the major battle sequences. Crew members shared anecdotes about the grueling conditions: actors and extras, clad in traditional armor and garb, endured searing heat and rugged terrain to capture the brutal beauty of warfare during Hawaii's unification era. Justin Chon, the director of the first two episodes and an executive producer, reportedly described the experience as "spiritual," remarking that the land itself seemed to breathe life into the scenes. It’s that kind of dedication that separates Chief of War from the usual polished but emotionally distant historical dramas we often see. Here, every frame is infused with reverence and reality.

Beyond its physical production, Chief of War stands apart in its casting. The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast—an important, if not vital, move in ensuring that the story isn’t just told about Hawaiians, but by them. In addition to Jason Momoa, the ensemble includes names like Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Cliff Curtis, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, and Mainei Kinimaka, each bringing a level of depth and authenticity to their roles that few other projects in this genre could claim. Morrison, in particular, lends a gravitas honed from decades of portraying complex indigenous characters, while younger talents like Buchanan and Kinimaka breathe fresh energy into the storytelling. It’s not hard to imagine that for many in the cast, portraying these historical figures is more than just a job—it’s a homecoming. During an informal Q&A after a teaser screening event, Buchanan reportedly said that stepping into her character's shoes felt "like answering a call that was always in [her] blood," a powerful testament to the emotional stakes involved for the cast.

The series structure itself is carefully calibrated for a slow-burn epic, with the first two episodes dropping on launch day, August 1, and subsequent episodes rolling out weekly until September 19. This format invites viewers to absorb the rich, layered storytelling at a natural pace, rather than binging it all at once—a wise move considering the historical and emotional complexity at play. The narrative arc follows Ka'iana's journey from celebrated warrior to reluctant rebel, a nuanced portrayal based on real historical accounts. Ka'iana’s life mirrors the internal conflict many indigenous leaders faced when confronting foreign powers: the tension between cooperation and resistance, between preserving one’s people and maintaining one’s honor. In the lore, Ka'iana was famously known as the “Prince of Kaua'i” and was considered, at one point, the “most famous Hawaiian in the world”—details that offer tantalizing hints at the dramatic highs and lows the series will explore. If early reports are anything to go by, Chief of War won’t shy away from portraying these moral ambiguities, adding emotional heft to the sweeping battles and political intrigue.

Interestingly, Chief of War also represents a significant evolution in Jason Momoa’s career trajectory. After finding mainstream success with action-heavy roles in Aquaman and the dystopian series See (also for Apple TV+), Jason Momoa is now stepping into the role of auteur—shaping not just his performance, but the entire creative vision of a project. It's a move that feels both inevitable and refreshing. As fans have noted, Jason Momoa's earlier projects hinted at a deeper well of storytelling ambition, but Chief of War finally gives him the full stage to manifest it. And the executive team backing the series reads like a who’s-who of prestige television: Doug Jung as showrunner, heavyweights like Peter Chernin and Francis Lawrence producing, and directors like Anders Engström and Tim Van Patten involved in various episodes. Each of these names brings an added layer of credibility and expertise, ensuring that Chief of War is crafted not just with passion, but with the highest standards of cinematic quality.

In sum, Chief of War is shaping up to be more than just another streaming series—it's a cultural milestone. With its deep roots in indigenous history, its authentic casting, and its passionate creative team, it has all the makings of an epic saga that will both entertain and educate. As we approach its debut, it’s worth remembering that behind every sweeping shot of ocean waves and every clashing of spears lies a much deeper truth: this is a story that has waited centuries to be told, and thanks to Jason Momoa and his team, it will finally have the stage it deserves. It’s not just television—it’s a reclamation, a celebration, and perhaps most importantly, an invitation for audiences worldwide to look at Hawaii not just as a paradise for tourists, but as a living, breathing place of history, struggle, and pride.

Synopsis :
The unification and colonization of Hawaii from the perspective of the indigenous people.

Chief of War
Created by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Jason Momoa
Starring Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikaleʻo, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka
Executive producers : Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Erik Holmberg, Doug Jung
Production companies : Pride of Gypsies, Hard J Productions, about:blank, Fifth Season, Chernin Entertainment
Network : Apple TV+ (United States, France)