MOVIE NEWS – Jason Momoa is stepping into new territory with his upcoming historical epic, Chief of War, a limited series coming to Apple TV+. Set against the backdrop of Hawai’i’s colonization, the show features a largely Polynesian cast and puts Momoa at the center not just as the lead, but as co-creator and director.

Apple TV+ has officially revealed that Chief of War will debut on August 1, 2025, with episodes dropping weekly until mid-September. The ensemble includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, and Te Kohe Tuhaka. The show’s first look and synopsis have also been released.

“Set against the lush landscape of Hawai’i, this nine-episode series—based on true events—follows the story of warrior Ka’iana, played by Jason Momoa, as he attempts to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 1700s.”

This Apple TV+ original is the latest major project from the streamer and Momoa following their earlier collaboration on See. Momoa co-created the series with Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett (Braven, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom), and Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond) serves as showrunner. Justin Chon (Blue Bayou) directed the opening episodes, while Momoa helms the finale, marking his first directorial role in television.

In a previous interview, Momoa described Chief of War as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream to tell a Native Hawaiian story. As a vocal supporter of Indigenous representation in media, the actor said this project was always at the top of his creative wishlist.

“I feel like I’m right in the middle of it. My dream was to make Chief of War. We’re doing it with Apple, and we just wrapped season one. We’re now in post-production. So yeah, this is the dream—a Native Hawaiian tale, and we’re bringing it to life.”

Following his indie directorial debut with Road to Paloma in 2014, Momoa returns behind the camera for what could be his most personal and expansive story yet. With Apple TV+ backing and a deeply personal vision, Chief of War is shaping up to be a landmark series both for Momoa and Indigenous storytelling.

Source: Apple TV+,  Collider