Jason Momoa offers an insider’s view into his involvement with Apple TV+’s historical drama Chief of War, a series set in 19th-century Hawai‘i. In addition to starring as the warrior Kaʻiana, Momoa co-created the show alongside Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and co-wrote the screenplay with Sibbett and Doug Jung. His creative input extends beyond acting into directing, specifically helming the intense final episode of the nine-part series.
In an interview with Joe Deckelmeier from ScreenRant, Momoa detailed the complexities of his directing experience, including managing scenes shot out of sequence and working closely with co-stars Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis. His hands-on approach reflects a deep commitment to shaping the show’s narrative and visual style.
Momoa Shares Insights on Directing the Series’ Climactic Episode
Momoa described the challenges and excitement of directing the ninth episode, which features a standout fight scene filmed in a non-linear schedule. This sequence, aimed at capturing the transition from day to night, required coordination of multiple filming units operating simultaneously from early morning until afternoon. Momoa explained:
“I mean, I’m literally writing for the two my two favorite actors, so Temuera and Cliff Curtis. That scene with Cliff Curtis is the longest scene in our whole series. I wrote every beat and every moment of that for him, and you’re writing for your heroes. First time they’ve been together since Once Were Warriors. I’m making a fight scene that’s shot completely out of order. I wanted to shoot from day into night and be able to have to shoot every character within that light scheme. So you’re shooting from four in the morning till four in the afternoon, but you’re shooting reverse. I’m directing five units. I’ve been directing for more than a decade, I love it more than acting. I want to be responsible. I want to be able to make the choices. I’m going to be judged by the choices I’m going to make.” —Jason Momoa
The Impact of Momoa’s Creative Vision on Chief of War
Momoa’s extensive directing experience, which began over a decade ago with projects like the 2014 feature Road to Paloma and more recently episodes of his travel series On the Roam, places him in a unique position to guide Chief of War from multiple angles. His storytelling extends from crafting characters to orchestrating large-scale scenes that highlight Hawai‘i’s historical struggle against colonization.
Chief of War blends authentic history with dramatic events to deliver both an educational and entertaining experience. The series explores important moments in Hawai‘i’s past, presenting the defense of the islands through the eyes of key figures such as King Kahekili, played by Temuera Morrison, and Kaʻahumanu, portrayed by Luciane Buchanan.
With the final episode promising a major battle alongside key character developments, Momoa’s creative leadership is instrumental in shaping a compelling narrative that reflects the depth of Hawai‘i’s heritage and resilience.
Momoa’s Passion for Writing, Directing, and Acting in Chief of War
Jason Momoa’s commitment to Chief of War is evident in his multiple roles as co-creator, writer, director, and lead actor. His active involvement in almost every aspect of production suggests a personal investment in ensuring the series resonates both emotionally and historically. This enthusiasm has helped position Chief of War as one of Apple TV+’s standout new original dramas.
The show debuts with two episodes on August 1 and will release subsequent episodes weekly, building anticipation toward the climactic scenes Momoa has described. Given his hands-on approach, viewers can expect a carefully crafted culmination in the series finale that reflects his vision and dedication.
Meet the Main Cast of Chief of War
The series features a talented ensemble bringing historical Hawaiian figures to life:
- Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana – The warrior central to the story, combining fierce battle scenes with deep personal moments.
- Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu – A key figure with political influence, portrayed with strength and nuance.
- Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili – The monarch defending Hawai‘i, whose relationship with Kaʻiana adds layers to the narrative.
- Te Ao o Hinepehinga Rauna as Kupuohi – An important character contributing to the unfolding events and cultural depth.
This diverse cast helps bring authenticity to the depiction of Hawai‘i’s past, supporting the story’s blend of action and historical significance.
Why Chief of War Matters in Today’s Streaming Landscape
Chief of War stands out as a significant addition to Apple TV+’s lineup by focusing on the lesser-told history of Hawai‘i’s resistance to colonization, through both dramatic storytelling and action-packed scenes. Jason Momoa’s leadership as co-creator, writer, and director demonstrates a growing trend of actors taking control behind the camera to shape culturally meaningful narratives.
The series’ combination of rich historical context, strong performances, and high production values marks it as a potential breakthrough for Hawaiian stories in mainstream media. As viewers follow the weekly episodes, the show invites reflection not only on the past conflicts but also on contemporary themes of identity and sovereignty.
With Momoa’s passion driving the project, Chief of War promises to leave a lasting impression and could inspire further productions that celebrate indigenous histories through compelling drama.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jason Momoa a billionaire?
A. Net Worth and Annual Earnings
By 2025, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Jason Momoa’s net worth to be roughly $40 million.
Q. Has Jason Momoa left his wife?
A. Bonet and Momoa were married for over seven years and dated for 12 years before that. Bonet, legally known as Lilakoi Moon, filed for divorce in January. The papers revealed they had been separated since October 7, 2020, more than three years ago. They announced their separation to the public in 2022.
Q. Did Jason Momoa split from Lisa?
A. LOS ANGELES — Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet are now legally divorced. A judge in Los Angeles County finalized their divorce on Tuesday. The actors had been apart for several years before this.
