Jason Momoa Unleashes Epic Polynesian Saga in Teaser for Apple TV+’s ‘Chief of War’

May 22, 2025: Apple TV+ has unveiled the gripping teaser trailer for Jason Momoa’s upcoming historical drama Chief of War, promising a sweeping tale of resistance, identity, and power in pre-colonial Polynesia.

Revealed on Wednesday, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the series marks a deeply personal project for Momoa, who not only stars as the lead warrior Ka’iana but also co-created the show with longtime collaborator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. Momoa also serves as writer, executive producer, and director of the season finale.

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Set in the late 18th century, Chief of War follows Ka’iana, a native warrior who rises to unify the fractured Hawaiian islands in the face of looming Western colonization. Apple describes the nine-episode epic as “based on true events.”

Chief of War will premiere with two episodes on Friday, August 1, followed by weekly releases every Friday through September 19, as confirmed by Variety.

Featuring a predominantly Polynesian cast, the series stars Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka, and Benjamin Hoetjes.

Produced by Fifth Season and Chernin Entertainment, the series has Doug Jung as showrunner and executive producer alongside Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook, and Brian Mendoza.

Renowned filmmaker Justin Chon directed the first two episodes and also executive produces, joined by Anders Engstrom, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence, and Tim Van Patten.

Adding to the cinematic intensity, the series’ score is composed by Hans Zimmer, who co-produced all nine episodes’ music with composer James Everingham.

With sweeping landscapes, fierce battles, and a rich cultural backdrop, Chief of War promises to be one of the most ambitious and culturally resonant series of the year.