A first look for Jason Momoa’s (Aquaman, A Minecraft Movie) new series Chief of War was launched by Apple TV+. According to The Hollywood Reporter the series will present insight on the indigenous perspective on Hawai’i’s unification and colonization, shedding light on this piece of history. The premier date is April 1.
Chief of War is co-created by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett (The Last Manhunt, Braven). The cast is largely made up of Polynesian actors including Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett, Once Were Warriors), Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead, Whale Rider), Luciane Buchanan (The Night Agent, Filthy Rich), Te Ao o Hinepehinga (The Convert, Ka Whawhai Tonu), Kaina Makua (Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Hawai’i), Moses Goods (Magnum P.I., Hawaiian Sovereignty), Siua Ikale’o (The Last Saint, My Life Is Murder), Brandon Finn (Shortland Street, The Gulf), James Udom (The Tragedy of Macbeth, Judas and the Black Messiah), Mainei Kinimaka (Finding ‘Ohana, NCIS: Hawai’i, and Te Kohe Tuhaka (The Dead Lands, Jonah).
Via The Hollywood Reporter, and Apple TV+ press release said, “Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai’i, the nine-episode series based on true events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century.”
Behind the camera, the project is helmed by an accomplished creative team, including executive producer and showrunner John Fusco (Marco Polo, Young Guns), director Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals, Skins), and producers Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond, Banshee), Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, I Am Legend), and Jennifer Johnson (Chase, Cold Case). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Momoa also served as director for the season finale and took on the role of executive producer. Companies Fifth Season and Chernin Entertainment produced.
The Apple TV+ series Chief of War will debut with its first two episodes on August 1, followed by weekly releases every Friday until September 19.