Chief of War, Jason Momoa’s Series set to release at Apple TV+
APRIL 9 2025
The official tagline from Apple TV+ reveals that the series “follows warrior Ka’iana (Momoa) as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonisation in the late 18th century.”
This historic drama will drop one new episode each week through to 19 September.
Chief of War is based on true events, exploring the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. The cast includes a powerful lineup of New Zealand Māori talent, with Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, and Te Kohe Tuhaka joining the series.
Variety explains:
Chief of War follows Ka’iana (played by Momoa), a Hawaiian warrior who joins a campaign to unite the warring islands in a bid to save them from the looming threat of colonisation. It’s an epic, character-driven story that blends indigenous history with a cinematic edge.
The series was created by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, and directed in part by Justin Chon (Pachinko, Blue Bayou). While it was originally commissioned back in 2022, Chief of War marks the first time Momoa has taken on a writing role for television.
Knowing that some of the filming for Chief of War took place in New Zealand makes this one feel especially close to home for us.
Deadline describes the show as “thrilling and unprecedented,” while Apple TV+ showcases it as a flagship release in their 2025 line-up.
While there’s plenty of buzz around Momoa’s commanding screen presence and the show’s ambitious scope, the production is also gaining attention for its authentic portrayal of Pacific Islander narratives—an important step forward in broadening the lens of global storytelling.
Chief of War is shaping up to be one of the standout TV events of 2025, combining stunning visuals, cultural depth, and a star-studded cast featuring some New Zealand favourites. We’ll be watching—will you?
