US Edition‘Chief of War’ review: Hawaiian history comes to life courtesy of Jason Momoa
HAWAII, UNITED STATES, AUG 4 – The series depicts the late 18th-century Wars of Hawaiian Unification from native chiefs’ perspectives and features a mostly Polynesian cast with authentic language and culture.
- On Friday, August 1, 2025, Chief of War debuted on Apple TV+ with a 90% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Created over ten years, Jason Momoa spent a decade developing the series with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett to center Hawaiian and Polynesian voices.
- Speaking largely in Hawaiian, the series emphasizes authenticity by featuring dialogue in Hawaiian with English gradually appearing, filmed mainly in New Zealand, and showcasing sacred artifacts and traditional practices.
- Audience reaction was swift; viewers called it 'something special' after two episodes, and Nina Metz awarded the series 3 stars out of 4.
- Following its debut, episodes stream weekly through September 19, and Ka Wai Ola called it a turning point for Native Hawaiian storytelling.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Hartford Courant
‘Chief of War’ review: Hawaiian history comes to life courtesy of Jason Momoa
Starting in the late 1700s, a bloody series of conflicts between competing kingdoms jostling for power ultimately resulted in the unification of the Hawaiian islands in 1810. That drawn-out process is brought to life in the Apple TV+ historical epic “Chief of War,” starring Jason Momoa as a high-status war general who is also a man of few words. Because much of the series is in Hawaiian, the subtitles register all the sounds he employs instead: …
'Chief Of War' Cast Celebrates Representation, Authentic Storytelling In Jason Momoa Series: 'I See My Cousins'
Jason Momoa ‘s new Apple TV+ series, Chief of War , is a milestone moment for Hawaiian culture and representation. Co-created, written and led by Hawaiian native Momoa, along with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the drama tells the story of unification while trying to offset Western colonization during the late 18th century and debuted on Friday. The nine-episode series centers around Momoa’s character, Ka’iana, a real-life Hawaiian chief who was pivotal in
Chief of War: Opening Titles by Studio AKA - The Art of VFX
A stylish main title by UK-based company Studio AKA brings Chief of War to life from its very first frame. Fusing cultural symbolism with natural textures, the sequence honors Hawaiian history and sets the stage for Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett’s powerful passion project! © Vincent Frei – The Art of VFX – 2025 The post Chief of War: Opening Titles by Studio AKA appeared first on The Art of VFX.
Real Reason Why 'Chief of War' Was Not Filmed in Hawaii Revealed
To much surprise of the fans, Apple TV+‘s newly launched show, Chief of War, is mostly filmed in New Zealand. The show has aired its awe-inspiring 2 episodes on the platform on 1st August, 2025. From the beautiful-looking Hawaiian islands to telling a story that is as insightful and well-thought-out as it should be, after drawing constant comparisons with the Vikings. Starring, co-creating, and executive produced by Jason Momoa, the show is a mi…
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