Apple TV+ has unveiled the full trailer for its epic new historical drama ‘Chief of War‘, a sweeping tale of power, unity, and resistance set in 18th-century Hawai‘i, co-created by and starring Jason Momoa (See, Aquaman).
Told from an indigenous perspective, the nine-episode series follows Ka‘iana, a fearless warrior portrayed by Momoa, who seeks to unite the Hawaiian islands during a time of looming Western colonisation. Based on true events, the story explores the tension between tradition and invasion, as Ka‘iana navigates the brutal complexities of leadership, loyalty, and identity.
A deeply personal project for Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, both of whom share Native Hawaiian heritage, ‘Chief of War’ features a predominantly Polynesian cast including Luciane Buchanan (The Night Agent), Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett), Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis (Avatar: The Way of Water), newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka (The Dead Lands), and Benjamin Hoetjes.
Behind the camera, the show is stacked with talent. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer alongside showrunner Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond), Sibbett, and producing heavyweights Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook, and Brian Andrew Mendoza. Acclaimed filmmaker Justin Chon (Blue Bayou) directs the first two episodes, with contributions from Anders Engström, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence, and Tim Van Patten. Adding to the epic scale, the music is composed by none other than Hans Zimmer, co-producing the score with James Everingham through Bleeding Fingers Music.
Following on from the global success of Apple’s previous Momoa-led series ‘See’, this ambitious new saga is set to deliver a powerful story with stunning visuals, authentic voices, and a rarely explored chapter of world history.
‘Chief of War‘ Season 1 premieres Friday, 1st August 2025 on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through 19th September.
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