Jason Momoa stars in and co-created Chief of War, a new historical drama series about Hawaii’s fight against colonization. The show premieres on August 1, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+, with two back-to-back episodes. After the premiere, new episodes will drop every Friday until the finale on September 19, 2025.
Chief of War Release Date and How to Watch
The first two episodes of Chief of War will be available on Apple TV+ starting August 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM Eastern Time. The series will have nine episodes in total, with one new episode released weekly.
Here are the release times for different time zones:
- Pacific Time: July 31, 9 PM
- Central Time: July 31, 11 PM
- Eastern Time: August 1, 12 AM
- Greenwich Mean Time: August 1, 4 AM
- Central European Time: August 1, 6 AM
To watch, viewers need an Apple TV+ subscription, which costs $9.99 per month after a 7-day free trial.
The Story of Chief of War
The series is based on true events from the late 18th century when Hawaii’s islands were divided by war. Jason Momoa plays Kaʻiana, a warrior chief who travels outside Hawaii and returns to unite his people against Western colonization.
“This is a story about our ancestors, about fighting for our land and culture,” Momoa said in a recent interview.
The show is told from an indigenous Hawaiian perspective, making it a unique historical drama.
Full Cast of Chief of War
The series features a mostly Polynesian cast, adding authenticity to the story. Here are the main actors and their roles:
- Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana, the warrior chief
- Temuera Morrison as Chief Kahekili, King of Maui
- Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu
- Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha
- Cliff Curtis as Kerouac
- Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi
- Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule
Momoa worked with cultural advisors to ensure the show accurately represents Hawaiian history.
Behind the Scenes and Production
Chief of War has been a 10-year passion project for Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. The series was filmed in New Zealand and Hawaii, with battle scenes shot in Kalapana’s lava fields.
The music is composed by Hans Zimmer, known for his work on movies like The Lion King and Dune.
Will There Be More Seasons?
Right now, Chief of War is planned as a limited series with nine episodes. However, if the show does well, there could be more seasons in the future.
“We have ideas for more stories, but first, we want people to see this one,” Sibbett said.
Fans of historical dramas and Jason Momoa’s work should mark their calendars for August 1. The series promises big battles, deep cultural storytelling, and stunning Hawaiian landscapes.
Also read: Jason Momoa Praises His Son’s Independent Casting in Dune 3 and Says He Will Be a Better Actor
Credits: Information gathered from Apple TV+, IMDb, and entertainment news reports.
