Jason Momoa’s “Chief of War” : Jason Momoa isn’t just starring in Chief of War—he’s living it. The Aquaman star’s passion project, now streaming on Apple TV+, dives deep into the turbulent 18th-century struggle to unify Hawaii’s warring islands. Blending brutal battle scenes with rich cultural storytelling, this series marks Momoa’s most personal work yet. As creator, executive producer, and lead actor, he channels his Native Hawaiian heritage to resurrect a pivotal, often overlooked chapter of history. But does Chief of War deliver on its ambitions? Let’s break down the hype, history, and heart behind 2025’s most anticipated series.
The Premise: War, Heritage, and Unification
Chief of War centers on Kaʻiana, a real-life Hawaiian warrior (played by Momoa) who navigates colonial threats and inter-island warfare to help King Kamehameha I forge a united Hawaii. Unlike sanitized period dramas, the series embraces visceral combat, political intrigue, and spiritual depth. Shot on location in Hawaii with Indigenous consultants, it avoids romanticizing colonization—instead highlighting Indigenous agency. As IGN notes, it’s “Game of Thrones meets Polynesian sovereignty,” with bone-crunching authenticity.
The True Story Behind the Fiction
While fictionalized, Chief of War roots itself in historical events:
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King Kamehameha’s Rise: The series dramatizes how Kamehameha leveraged Western weapons and diplomacy to unite Hawaii’s islands by 1810—a feat achieved amid European exploitation.
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Kaʻiana’s Duality: Once an ally, Kaʻiana famously defected from Kamehameha’s forces, symbolizing the era’s fractured loyalties. Momoa’s portrayal humanizes this complex figure.
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Cultural Reckoning: As TIME explains, the show confronts painful truths: disease, land theft, and the erosion of Native traditions—themes echoing Hawaii’s modern sovereignty movement.
Momoa’s 10-Year Passion Project
For Momoa, this isn’t just entertainment—it’s hoʻoilina (legacy). In interviews, he’s called Chief of War a “love letter to my ancestors,” developed for a decade to ensure cultural accuracy:
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Language Revival: Over 50% of dialogue is in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), revitalized from near-extinction.
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Indigenous Voices: Native Hawaiians fill key roles—writers, directors, actors—including local casting for battle scenes.
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Personal Catharsis: Momoa’s own journey (reconnecting with his roots after Game of Thrones) mirrors Kaʻiana’s internal conflict.
Critical Reception: Brutal But Uneven?
Reviews praise the series’ ambition but note growing pains:
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The Good: The New York Times lauds its “sweeping scale and unflinching violence,” comparing battle sequences to Braveheart (source). Momoa’s raw performance and Hawaii’s lush cinematography are standouts.
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The Gaps: Some critics argue early episodes rush political setup, prioritizing action over character depth. Yet most agree: the cultural authenticity is revolutionary.
Why Chief of War Matters Now
Beyond spectacle, the series taps into urgent conversations:
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Decolonizing Hollywood: By centering Indigenous perspectives, it counters exploitative tropes (e.g., *Hawaii Five-0*’s outsider gaze).
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Hawaiian Renaissance: The show aligns with real-world efforts like the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement, reigniting pride in Native identity.
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Global Relevance: Themes of unity against external threats resonate amid modern climate crises and cultural preservation fights.
Should You Watch Chief of War ?
Absolutely—but with context. Chief of War isn’t easy viewing. It’s a blood-soaked, spiritually charged odyssey that demands attention. For history buffs, it’s a masterclass in Indigenous resilience. For action fans, its practical stunts (no CGI armies here) set a new bar. And for Hawaiians, it’s long-overdue representation. As Momoa told TIME:
“This isn’t your story. It’s ours. And we’re ready to tell it.”
The Verdict
Chief of War redefines the epic genre. Flaws aside, Momoa’s vision—a fusion of ancestral reverence and blockbuster grit—lands powerfully. It’s more than a show; it’s a cultural reclamation. Stream it on Apple TV+, then explore Hawaii’s real history. The war for sovereignty began centuries ago—and its echoes still shape the islands today.
