Apple TV+ has released a first look at Chief of War, a historical drama centered on an Indigenous Hawaiian warrior’s resistance to European colonization. The nine-episode series, co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, marks Momoa’s return to the platform after See, and serves as a more personal and culturally grounded project.
Set in the late 1700s, Chief of War follows Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, a warrior seeking to unify the fractured islands of Hawai’i as foreign powers begin to assert their presence. The story aims to reframe narratives of conquest and “civilization” from the perspective of those who resisted. In a space where Indigenous histories have long been marginalized or mythologized, the series positions itself as a retelling of suppressed truths—ones that still shape Hawaii’s present-day identity.
The teaser offers a glimpse at the series’ cinematic scale, showcasing lush island landscapes, elaborate costume work, and large-scale battle scenes. There are flashes of cultural ceremony, maritime warfare, and yes—possibly even a shark. While short, the footage suggests a production that leans heavily on visual storytelling to complement a narrative of resistance and survival.
Momoa, who co-wrote and directed the finale, has brought together a cast that includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, and several actors of Polynesian descent, including newcomer Kaina Makua. The casting choices reflect a commitment to authenticity, a notable shift in an industry that has often cast Indigenous roles with little regard for cultural specificity.
Behind the camera, the series brings together a seasoned production team. Justin Chon (Blue Bayou, Pachinko) directs the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer, alongside Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond), who acts as showrunner. The score features original music from Hans Zimmer, who co-composed the series with James Everingham. The rest of the executive team includes Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Francis Lawrence, whose presence suggests an attempt to balance indie sensibilities with broader audience appeal.
Chief of War premieres August 1, with new episodes released weekly through September 19. Whether it finds a wide audience or not, its existence alone signals a shift: toward stories that confront the cost of empire, and toward platforms willing to tell them from the perspective of those who bore the brunt of its arrival.
