Jason Momoa Leads an Epic Fight for Hawaiian Unity in Apple TV+’s 'Chief of War'
Jason Momoa returns to the small screen in commanding form with Chief of War, a bold and culturally rich new limited series debuting on Apple TV+ on August 1. The streamer has just dropped the official trailer, giving audiences a first look at this historical epic set during a tumultuous period in 18th-century Hawaii.Co-created by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the series explores the untold story of Ka’iana, a real-life warrior and rebel leader who stood at the crossroads of Hawaiian unification and foreign colonization.
Epic Storytelling Rooted in Indigenous History
The trailer opens with breathtaking visuals of pre-colonial Hawaii—lush jungles, crashing surf, and volcanic ridges—as Momoa’s voiceover introduces Ka’iana’s journey to protect his people and their traditions amid growing external threats.Set in a period of rising conflict among the Hawaiian islands, Chief of War dramatizes the internal power struggles and the looming presence of Western colonial forces. At the center of it all is Ka’iana—a warrior both feared and revered—who seeks to unite the islands before their cultural identity is erased forever.
High Stakes and Cinematic Scope
The trailer teases sweeping battle sequences, tribal rituals, and intense political tension. But beyond the action, the show is deeply personal, tracing Ka’iana’s emotional journey as he weighs loyalty, legacy, and loss.Jason Momoa’s performance is physically commanding and emotionally resonant, continuing his tradition of playing complex, culturally grounded heroes. Known for championing Indigenous representation on- and off-screen, Momoa also serves as executive producer, ensuring authenticity at every level of production.
An Indigenous Cast and Crew Bring the Vision to Life
One of Chief of War’s standout elements is its commitment to authentic storytelling. The show features an almost entirely Hawaiian and Polynesian cast and crew, with Native Hawaiian traditions, languages, and cultural practices embedded into the narrative.This approach reflects the creators’ intent to reclaim a pivotal historical narrative—one that has long been overshadowed or misrepresented in mainstream media.
A Rarely Told Story, Now in the Spotlight
While period dramas often explore European or Asian empires, Chief of War brings an Indigenous Pacific Islander perspective to the forefront, offering a visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and historically significant series that’s unlike anything else currently streaming.With its high production values, fierce performances, and cultural depth, Chief of War promises to be one of Apple TV+’s most ambitious offerings to date.
Prepare for battle—and a story of identity, honor, and resistance—when Chief of War premieres globally on August 1.
