Jason Momoais returning to the small screen — and to his cultural roots.Apple TV+ has dropped the first look atChief of War, a sweeping new historical drama that marks a major passion project for theAquamanstar. The series, which spans 9 episodes, will premiere around the world on the streamer on Friday, July 12, 2025, with a two-episode debut, followed by weekly drops through September 19.Set in the late 18th century and inspired by true events,Chief of Warfollows Momoa as Kaʻiana, a fierce Native Hawaiian warrior who finds himself at the center of a brutal struggle to unify the islands before Western colonization takes hold.
Joining Momoa on screen is a predominantly Polynesian ensemble includingThe Night Agent’sLuciane Buchanan,Star WarsalumTemuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, and newcomerKaina Makua. Other cast members includeTe Ao o Hinepehinga, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, andTe Kohe Tuhaka. In addition to his role in front of the camera, Momoa will direct the season finale.Doug Jung(Star Trek Beyond) serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside co-creatorThomas Pa’a Sibbett, who also shares Native Hawaiian roots.
‘Chief Of War’ Is a Dream Come True For Jason Momoa
Momoa had previously toldCollider’sSteve Weintraubabout his excitement about filming the series in an interview last year, stating:
“My dream was to makeChief of War. I’m making it with Apple, and we just finished the first season so we’re in post right now. So, I’d say that that’s my dream to make this native Hawaiian tale, and we’re doing it.”
In a separate interview with Men’s Health, Momoa described it as his “Holy Grail”, adding: “It’s like myBraveheartorDances with Wolves.I never thought it would be this big. It’s the hardest, most challenging, most demanding thing I’ve ever done. It’s the last big dream I have left. Everything else is just kind of ‘actor for hire,’ but this is my homage to my people.We have so many beautiful stories in Hawaii that no one knows about. All I care about is just doing right by my people.”
Chief of Warwill premiere on Apple TV+ on August 12, 2025, with a two-episode premiere, with new episodes dropping every Friday thereafter through September 19. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates from 18th century Hawaiʻi as Jason Momoa goes back in time.
Chief of War
Source:Men’s Health
