Chief of War on Apple TV+: Everything you need to know about Jason Momoa's 10-year passion project

Jason Momoa is set to captivate audiences in the upcoming historical epic, Chief of War, where he not only stars but also takes on the roles of executive producer and co-writer.

Touted as the next big hit following Game of Thrones, the Hawaiian-American icon, known for his roles in Aquaman and A Minecraft Movie, has been developing this project alongside showrunner Thomas Paʻa Sibbett for an impressive ten years.

The inaugural nine-part season of Chief of War is set to make a grand entrance with a two-part premiere on Apple TV+ later this week, promising to unveil Hawaii's rich and tumultuous history like fans have never been seen before.

Adding to the show's authenticity, the cast will deliver most of their lines in the native Ōlelo Hawai'i language, which Momoa admits was even more challenging to master than Dothraki.

As we gear up for one of the most anticipated new historical dramas, let's delve into what we know about Chief of War, reports the Mirror US.

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What is Chief of War about?

For the first time in a major television production, Chief of War shines a light on Hawaii during the pivotal 18th-19th Century era.

Stepping into the shoes of Ka'iana, a renowned warrior of Hawaiian nobility, Game of Thrones star Momoa portrays the character's struggles with political power and encroaching Western settlers during a critical time for the Pacific Islands.

His character, Ka'iana, becomes an iconic figure in Hawaiian lore after his travels abroad and subsequent return to engage in a fierce battle that will decide the destiny of his homeland.

The series sets the stage with a synopsis stating: "The story begins at the turn of the 19th century when the four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands were in a state of war.

"The series follows Kaʻiana, a warrior chief (aliʻi) of Kauaʻi who travels outside of the islands as the 'most famous Hawaiian in the world', returns home and joins a bloody campaign until, at the last minute, he rebels against the unification of Hawaiʻi that took place from 1782 to 1810 under Kamehameha I."

Who is in the cast of Chief of War?

Jason Momoa takes centre stage as the infamous warrior Ka'iana, hot on the heels of his blockbuster appearances in Minecraft, Aquaman and Fast X.

He's accompanied by a predominantly Polynesian ensemble, featuring both seasoned performers and emerging talent.

The lineup boasts Star Wars legend and Momoa's Aquaman colleague Temuera Morrison as Chief Kahekili, The Night Agent's Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu and Avatar and The Meg's Cliff Curtis.

Completing the supporting ensemble are fresh faces including Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Te Kohe Tuhaka and Moses Goods.

Additional cast members comprise Siua Ikaleʻo, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Siaosi Fonua, Benjamin Hoetjes, and Erroll Shand.

When will Chief of War be released?

Anticipating fans won't have to wait much longer as Chief of War debuts this Friday, 1st August.

The opening two episodes will drop at midnight.

It will subsequently maintain a weekly release pattern of fresh episodes, continuing through until Friday, 19th September.

While the drama was initially commissioned as an eight-episode miniseries, the inclusion of a ninth episode in the first series might suggest that Momoa and Sibbett have intentions for the drama to carry on.

However, there's no confirmation about a second series at this point.

Chief of War premieres Friday, 1st August on Apple TV+.