Jason Momoa leads Apple TV+ epic Chief of War about the unification of Hawaii, with action-packed trailer teasing colonization-era drama.
Jason Momoa is heading into battle in Chief of War, the highly anticipated Apple TV+ historical drama that just released its first official trailer. Premiering August 1, the nine-episode series is based on true events and follows the fierce unification of the Hawaiian islands during the late 1700s, as outside colonial threats loom.
A personal passion project for Jason Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Chief of War explores Hawaii’s history from an indigenous point of view. Jason Momoa not only co-created the series but also wrote and executive produced it, starring as Ka‘iana, a revered warrior and protector of his native land.
The newly released trailer shows Ka‘iana sounding the alarm about the arrival of Western forces: “They will be coming soon,” he says, before warning, “If this island is divided, this kingdom will fall.” The sweeping preview teases large-scale battles, political intrigue, and deep cultural stakes, as the islands face both internal turmoil and external threats.
“We will need him to face the troubles that come our way,” says Kaʻahumanu, played by Luciane Buchanan (The Night Agent), as the Polynesian people rally around Ka‘iana to preserve their way of life. He responds with a powerful declaration: “Tomorrow we face Gods and men to build a kingdom. No matter what happens to me, this is your home.”
Apple TV+ emphasizes the show’s commitment to authenticity, describing it as “told from an indigenous perspective” and highlighting its “predominantly Polynesian cast.”
In addition to Jason Momoa and Luciane Buchanan, Chief of War stars:
Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett)
Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead)
Te Ao o Hinepehinga (Breakwater)
Moses Goods (Inhumans)
Siua Ikale‘o (NCIS: Hawai’i)
Brandon Finn (FBI: International)
James Udom (Echo 3)
Mainei Kinimaka (See)
Te Kohe Tuhaka (The Dead Lands)
Kaina Makua (newcomer)
This marks Jason Momoa’s return to Apple TV+ following the success of his sci-fi drama See, which concluded in 2022. Chief of War premieres with its first two episodes on August 1, followed by new episodes every Friday.
