Jason Momoa’s Passion Project is Finally Here
The long-awaited historical drama series Chief of War, a passion project for star Jason Momoa, has finally premiered on Apple TV+. The first two episodes of the nine-episode series were released on Friday, August 1, with new episodes to follow every Friday through September 19. The show, which was co-written and executive-produced by Momoa, tells the epic and brutal story of the unification and colonization of Hawai’i in the late 18th century, a history that is rarely told from an indigenous perspective. Momoa, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, has been working on this project for a decade. A recent red carpet premiere in O’ahu celebrated the show’s Hawaiian culture with traditional ceremonies. The series is filmed on location in Hawai’i and features a predominantly Polynesian cast, including Momoa’s Aquaman co-star Temuera Morrison, as well as Luciane Buchanan and Cliff Curtis.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
Chief of War centers on Ka’iana, a real-life warrior chief from Kaua’i, played by Jason Momoa. The story begins at the turn of the 19th century as the four major Hawaiian kingdoms are at war. Ka’iana, a complicated and ambitious figure, returns to the islands and is drawn into the bloody campaign of King Kamehameha I to unite the islands. However, his story takes a tragic turn as he eventually rebels against the unification. The series has received strong critical praise for its authenticity, with a large portion of the dialogue being in the native language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, a difficult challenge for the cast. Critics have also noted the show’s stunning cinematography and its commitment to portraying Hawaiian culture with respect and historical accuracy. The show’s success is a testament to Momoa’s dedication and his mission to bring this forgotten piece of his cultural legacy to a global audience.
