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Chief of War Debuts with Stunning Visuals and Cultural Depth

Reviewers praise the Hawaiian-language dialogue with immersive battle sequences as a landmark for indigenous representation

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Jason Momoa in Chief of War
Jason Momoa as Ka'iana and Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili in "Chief of War."
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Overview

  • All nine episodes of Chief of War premiered on Apple TV+ August 1, marking the culmination of a decade-long development by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett.
  • The series unfolds largely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, supported by partnerships with cultural advisors and Awaiaulu to ensure linguistic and historical accuracy.
  • Jason Momoa’s portrayal of exiled chief Kaʻiana is joined by standout performances from Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili, Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu and Cliff Curtis as nobleman Keōua.
  • On-location shoots in Hawaiʻi and New Zealand deliver large-scale battle scenes and sweeping landscapes that critics compare to major epics.
  • Early reviews highlight the show’s commitment to indigenous perspectives, drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones and Vikings for its scope and authenticity.