⚔️Before the Kingdom, There Was War: ‘Chief of War’ Premieres August 1 on Apple TV+ | Cast, Plot & Release Details
- Boxofficehype
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Before the Kingdom, There Was War: ‘Chief of War’ Premieres August 1 on Apple TV+
An epic journey into the heart of Hawaiian history is about to unfold. On August 1, 2025, Apple TV+ will debut Chief of War, a powerful historical drama that retells the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i in the late 18th century—told for the first time from the perspective of the Native Hawaiian people.
Brought to life by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, Chief of War is a deeply personal and culturally rich miniseries that promises to be both a sweeping saga and a vital re-centering of indigenous voices in global storytelling.
🌺 A Story of Blood, Power, and Resistance
Set during a time of intense warfare, political turmoil, and European encroachment, Chief of War follows the incredible life of Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian noble and fierce warrior. As he returns home from foreign lands, Kaʻiana finds his islands in disarray—each major kingdom fighting for dominance.
But what begins as a campaign for unity under Kamehameha I becomes a personal and ideological struggle for Kaʻiana. The very man who once championed Hawaiian independence must decide whether to fight for unity or rebel against it.
The series captures the spiritual, cultural, and political stakes of a time that reshaped Hawai‘i forever.
⚔️ Led by Polynesian Pride
At the center of Chief of War is Jason Momoa, not only starring as Kaʻiana but also co-creating and executive producing the series. A native Hawaiian himself, Momoa brings authenticity and passion to a project that seeks to reclaim historical narratives long told through foreign lenses.
Joining Momoa is a stellar, predominantly Polynesian cast including:
Temuera Morrison as Chief Kahekili
Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu
Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I
Cliff Curtis, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Moses Goods, Brandon Finn, and many more.
The ensemble represents a historic casting milestone, reflecting real Pacific Islander heritage and talent, which Hollywood has so often overlooked in stories about the Pacific.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: A Powerhouse Production
Chief of War is produced by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment, with Doug Jung serving as showrunner and Justin Chon directing the first two episodes. Jason Momoa also directs the finale, ensuring the story ends with the same intensity and personal investment with which it began.
The production team is stacked with visionaries:
Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tim Van Patten, and Tracey Cook round out the executive producing team.
The show’s musical soul is crafted by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer, who co-produced the score with James Everingham. Their evocative music blends cinematic grandeur with traditional Polynesian themes.
📺 A Historic Release on Apple TV+
All nine episodes of Chief of War will premiere exclusively on Apple TV+, marking another ambitious original for the platform’s growing slate of globally relevant storytelling.
The release comes at a time when audiences are hungry for authentic, culturally immersive period dramas, and Chief of War is primed to become a landmark series not only for Apple TV+ but for indigenous storytelling as a whole.
🌊 Final Thoughts
Chief of War is not just a show—it’s a reclamation. It’s a long-overdue dive into the real history of the Hawaiian Islands, led by those who share its blood, language, and legacy.
With its stunning visuals, emotionally complex characters, and historical grounding, this miniseries is set to become one of 2025’s most important television events.
If you're drawn to tales of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage, Chief of War is your must-watch this August.
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