In the historical drama series Chief of War — streaming Friday on Apple TV+ — Jason Momoa plays warrior Ka‘iana. He’s desperate to united warring Hawaiian islands against encroaching Western colonization, according to the recent full-length trailer Apple TV+ dropped. At just over 3 minutes in length and loaded with battle scenes as well as scenes of native life, the trailer’s unusually in-depth. But now you can finally watch the first two episodes of the series.
The nine-episode drama follows all the action from an indigenous perspective. It comes from native Hawaiians Thomas Pa’a Sibbett and Momoa, who serve as executive producers. Momoa also wrote it and stars in it.
Update: Momoa’s Chief of War started streaming on Apple TV+ Friday, August 1. It’s off to fast start on Rottentomatoes.com with an 86% Fresh rating (though that’s based on just a handful of reviews so far). USA Today calls the show “triumphant” and The Guardian notes that Momoa’s character wrestles sharks and leads tons of battle scenes, but adds that a lot of backstory makes the show “dense stuff.”
Jason Momoa races to unite Hawaii against colonization in <em>Chief of War</em> in full-length trailer
The trailer hints at a show that immerses the audience in a full spectrum of 18th century native Hawaiian life –culture, spirtuality and warfare. Especially warfare, among islands and against the west. And the cast is mostly Polynesian, Apple TV+ said. Along with Momoa (See), it stars Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka and Benjamin Hoetjes.
Watch the new in-depth trailer and read much more about the new show below.
Watch the full Chief of War trailer:
Chief of War on Apple TV+: A historical epic from an indigenous perspective [Apple TV+ teaser trailer]
At first it looks like ripped, loin-cloth-wearing 18th century Hawaiian tribal chieftain Jason Momoa might choose a path of peace regarding encroaching Europeans. But then he shows himself to be the titular Chief of War, according to the gripping teaser trailer Apple TV+ dropped Wednesday for the beautifully photographed show. It looks epic.
The nine-episode historical drama premieres on Apple TV+ August 1. Momoa stars, writes and executive produces what appears to be a deeply personal project for the actor of Native Hawaiian heritage.
Set against the stunning landscapes of Hawaii, Chief of War chronicles the story of warrior Ka’iana (Momoa) during his quest to unify the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th century. Western colonization looms on the horizon. The series aims to tell this pivotal historical moment from an indigenous perspective, Apple TV+ said, providing viewers with a narrative rarely seen in mainstream entertainment.
Momoa co-created the series with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. Both share Native Hawaiian heritage and a commitment to authentic storytelling, Apple TV+ noted. This approach extends to the predominantly Polynesian cast featuring notable talents including Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and newcomer Kaina Makua.
Watch the Chief of War teaser trailer:
Release schedule and creative team
Following its August 1 premiere with two episodes, new installments will release weekly through September 19. The production represents a significant creative endeavor for Apple TV+, with an impressive roster of talent behind the scenes.
Doug Jung serves as showrunner while Justin Chon directs the opening episodes. Momoa himself directs the season finale. The series boasts a prestigious music pedigree with Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer composing the theme music and co-producing the score for all episodes alongside James Everingham.
Continuing partnership between Momoa and Apple TV+
This new series follows Momoa’s previous collaboration with Apple TV+ on the post-apocalyptic drama See, which ran for three successful seasons. The actor appears to be deepening his relationship with the streaming service through this more personal project that connects to his cultural heritage.
With its focus on Hawaiian history and indigenous perspectives, Chief of War could potentially resonate with viewers seeking more diverse historical narratives and those who have followed Momoa’s career from Game of Thrones through Aquaman and beyond. See more information about the show below.
Chief of War Jason Momoa fights Hawaii colonization [Apple TV+ first look]
Photo: Apple TV+
In March 31’s first look at Chief of War, action star Momoa wears a loin cloth as he reminds us that Hawaiian warriors fought the forces of Western colonization in the late 18th century. The burly star of See on Apple TV+ co-created the upcoming new show, with himself leading a mostly Polynesian cast.
So Momoa, well known as Baba Voss in See, Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones as well as the titular aquatic super-hunk in Aquaman, doesn’t just star in Chief of War. He executive produces and writes the epic drama series, as well. And it could be a fascinating story of Hawaii’s history for many people who may not know it.
Here’s Apple TV+’s description:
“Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode series is based on true events and follows warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Momoa, Chief of War follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i at the turn of the 18th century.”
The cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka, the streamer added.
Watch Momoa in See on Apple TV+ while you wait for Chief of War
While you wait, you can watch Momoa in three seasons of See streaming on Apple TV+. Chief of War makes its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025. New episodes follow on Fridays through September 19.
Apple TV+ is available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
Apple TV+ is home to more than 200 exclusive movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso). The service also offers documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
We first published this post with the “first look” on March 31, 2025, updated it with the teaser trailer and new information on May 21, 2025, with a new in-depth trailer on July 11, 2025, and then with news of it streaming on August 1, 2025.
