Jason Momoa, known for his roles in Aquaman and Fast & Furious, stars in the historical drama series Chief of War, which is now exclusively available on Apple TV+. This project marks one of Momoa’s significant Hollywood passion endeavors, where he serves not only as the lead actor but also as an executive producer and co-creator.
Although Momoa is widely recognized for blockbuster films like Justice League and A Minecraft Movie, he has also gained acclaim through television, notably with two series on Apple TV+. One of these, the sci-fi drama See, ran for three seasons from 2019 to 2022 and received a positive critical response, including an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score for its second season.
Chief of War Debuts with Strong Critical Reception
Chief of War premiered on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, releasing its initial two episodes to strong reviews and achieving a Certified Fresh score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. The series will continue with weekly episodes extending into mid-September.
Set at the dawn of the 18th century, the drama centers on Ka’iana, a Polynesian warrior and leader portrayed by Momoa. The storyline explores the untold history of the Hawaiian legend Ka’iana amid a fierce struggle for power among four influential kingdoms vying for control over the Hawaiian islands.
Critics have compared Chief of War to acclaimed historical dramas such as Shōgun for its immersive storytelling. Others have likened its scale and intense battle scenes to Game of Thrones, noting the show’s commitment to authentic and sometimes brutal depictions of conflict.
How a Decade of Preparation Shaped the Series’ Release
Momoa was introduced to the Chief of War concept about ten years ago, coinciding with his 2016 role as Aquaman’s debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Following his rise through major franchises including DCEU, Dune, and Fast & Furious, Momoa’s demanding schedule delayed his full creative involvement in Chief of War.
Balancing acting, writing, and producing commitments meant the project had to wait until after Momoa wrapped his role in Apple TV+’s See in 2022. This pause allowed Momoa to fully dedicate himself to crafting Chief of War with respect to Hawaiian history and culture.
Key Cast Members Bring Historical Figures to Life
Jason Momoa stars as Ka’iana, the warrior chief at the center of the series’ story. Alongside him is Luciane Buchanan, who plays Ka’ahumanu, an important figure within the narrative’s depiction of Hawaiian leadership and politics.
Significance and Future Prospects of Chief of War
Chief of War represents a considerable achievement in television, blending historical exploration with cinematic storytelling, and highlighting indigenous culture rarely portrayed on a global stage. With its critical success and detailed production, the series sets a high standard for future historical dramas.
As episodes continue to release weekly, viewers and critics alike are expected to engage further with the complex power dynamics and rich character development central to the show’s narrative. For Jason Momoa, this project solidifies his expanding role in the entertainment industry beyond acting into producing and storytelling.
