Apple TV+ Premieres Indigenous-Led Hawaii Unification Drama

Jason Momoa stars in and co-produces "Chief of War," an epic historical drama mini-series on Apple TV+ that tells the story of the unification and colonization of Hawaii from an indigenous Polynesian perspective. The series highlights the complex character Ka'iana, played by Momoa, who struggles with loyalty and survival amid political upheaval, while also focusing on King Kamehameha's mission to unify the Hawaiian islands. The show is notable for its predominantly Polynesian cast and crew, with significant involvement from Hawaiian creatives, and features dialogue in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in its opening episodes. Momoa describes the project as a dream come true and emphasizes the cultural significance and responsibility of telling his ancestors' story authentically. The production faced challenges, including budget constraints and the complexity of staging large-scale battle scenes, but benefited from local Hawaiian expertise and community support. The cast and crew are hopeful that Apple TV+ will approve additional seasons to continue exploring this important cultural narrative.