Jason Momoa Fights to Unify Hawai‘i in the First Teaser for Apple TV’s Chief of War

Apple TV has shared our first look at Jason Momoa’s upcoming epic historical drama, Chief of War, which is coming to Apple TV this August.

Apple TV+ unveiled the first teaser trailer for its epic historical drama “Chief of War,” starring, written, and executive produced by Jason Momoa. The upcoming series is emerging from the waves of Hawai‘i and will be on the streamer this August. The series, a passion project for Momoa, is part of the streamer’s summer crown and promises to be a breathtaking spectacle. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode series, based on actual events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. The nine-part series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025. New episodes will be released weekly each Friday through September 19.

The series is set to be an emotional story about human history and looks incredibly impressive. With Justin Chon directing the first two episodes and Hans Zimmer providing the score, our summer nights are sure to be more entertaining. And if that isn’t enough to have you dancing around the campfire, Boba Fett star Temuera Morrison is also involved. But don’t just take my word for it—check out the first teaser trailer below.

SYNOPSIS

Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode series based on true events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18thcentury. “Chief of War” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025 followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19.

Told from an indigenous perspective, “Chief of War” is a passion project for creators, Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, who both share native Hawaiian heritage. The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, led by Momoa alongside Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka and Benjamin Hoetjes.

CREDITS

“Chief of War” is produced for Apple TV+ by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engstrom, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. Grammy and Academy Award winning composer, Hans Zimmer wrote the theme music and co-produced the score for all nine episodes with composer, James Everingham, during his tenure with Bleeding Fingers Music, the multiple Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer collective co-founded by Zimmer in 2013.

APPLE TV+

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 569wins and 2,607 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

RELEASE

I don’t know about you but love a good historical drama. And as a fan of Momoa’s work, seeing his passion project come to life is an enticing prospect. Especially with the actor involved in almost every aspect of the series. Just seeing Hawai‘i in all its splendour is enough to whet my appetite. And with the unification of the island at stake, Chief of War appears to be one of the standouts of Apple TV’s summer slate. Coupled with what will be another masterful soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and his collaborator, James Everingham, the series looks like a winner. But does it have enough to have you subscribe to Apple TV+?

Chief of War will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025. New episodes will be released weekly each Friday through September 19.

 

Will you be checking out the new series when it lands on Apple TV+? Sound off below and share your thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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