Chief of War: Jason Momoa Opens Up About The ‘Holy Grail in His Career’

Jason Momoa seems to be really excited about his new Apple TV+ series, Chief of War. 

The show was first revealed a year ago and is one of Momoa’s ventures into television, along with his previous Apple TV+ series See and his early roles in North Shore and Stargate Atlantis. 

Chief of War is a historical drama about Ka’iana, a Hawaiian war chief who tries to unite the islands against foreign invaders in the 18th century. 

The series has nine episodes and features a cast of actors from New Zealand and Hawaii.

In a Men’s Health interview, Jason Momoa shares his enthusiasm for his role in the upcoming Chief of War series. 

He calls the role his “Holy Grail,” saying it was his ultimate dream as an actor. He is so passionate about the project because it is a historical drama based on the true story of Ka’iana, a Hawaiian war chief. 

Momoa was born in Hawaii and has Native Hawaiian ancestry from his father’s side, so Chief of War is a chance for him to tell the story of his people. This is what he said:

[It’s my] holy grail, my baby, and my dream. It’s like my Braveheart or Dances with Wolves. I never thought it would be this big. It’s the hardest, most challenging, most demanding thing I’ve ever done. It’s the last big dream I have left. Everything else is just kind of ‘actor for hire,’ but this is my homage to my people. We have so many beautiful stories in Hawaii that no one knows about. All I care about is just doing right by my people. [The show is] for Indigenous kids growing up, understanding that we were warriors and what we come from and understanding there was a language that was stripped from us. Like most Indigenous tribes, everything’s taken from us. It’s like rebuilding and building these bridges back.

Momoa’s enthusiasm for Chief of War will surely increase the fans’ excitement for the upcoming series. 

The Apple TV original series was revealed in April of 2022, along with Momoa’s casting as the lead role. It was later confirmed that he would play Ka’iana. 

Ka’iana, also known as Keawe-Kaʻiana-a-Ahuula, was a Hawaiian warrior from 1775 to 1795. He was one of the first Native Hawaiians to travel to the United States and China and was an important figure in the history of the unification of Hawaii. 

Momoa is not only the star of Chief of War but also the writer and producer, ensuring that the project will reflect his vision of honoring Hawaii’s Indigenous people and history. 

The series also stars Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili, a renowned warrior chief and the king of Maui. Luciane Buchanan and Kaina Makua play Ka’ahumanu and Kamehameha, respectively. 

The show will follow Ka’iana’s adventures in foreign lands and how they shaped his perspective on his native island. 

It will also depict the historical events of Hawaii’s unification under Kamehameha’s ambitious campaign. The filming occurred in Hawaii from October to December last year and in New Zealand from January. 

The series will have nine episodes, and it is expected to be the biggest jewel in the already glorious career crown of Jason Mamoa.

About Chief Of War

Chief of War is an upcoming American historical drama limited series created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett for Apple TV+. Jason Momoa also stars and executive produces the series, which consists of nine episodes.

This epic adventure begins at turn of the 18th century when the four major kingdoms of Hawaii were in a state of war, based on the true story of Ka’iana, a war chieftain who travels to the outside world and learns more about the men invading his island home.

It was announced in April 2022 that Apple TV+ had ordered the eight episode miniseries, with Jason Momoa set to star in and executive produce. Justin Chon was set to direct two episodes of the series that same month. Casting announcements in October and November revealed that Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikaleʻo, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Hoke Tuhaka had joined the cast. Cliff Curtis would join in a recurring role in February 2023.