At first it appears like ripped, loin-cloth-wearing 18th century Hawaiian tribal chieftain Jason Momoa would possibly select a path of peace relating to encroaching Europeans. However then he exhibits himself to be the titular Chief of Warfare, in line with the gripping teaser trailer Apple TV+ dropped Wednesday for the fantastically photographed present. It appears epic.
The nine-episode historic drama premieres on Apple TV+ August 1. Momoa stars, writes and government produces what seems to be a deeply private mission for the actor of Native Hawaiian heritage.
Chief of Warfare on Apple TV+: A historic epic from an indigenous perspective
Set towards the gorgeous landscapes of Hawaii, Chief of Warfare chronicles the story of warrior Ka’iana (Momoa) throughout his quest to unify the Hawaiian islands within the late 18th century. Western colonization looms on the horizon. The collection goals to inform this pivotal historic second from an indigenous perspective, Apple TV+ stated, offering viewers with a story not often seen in mainstream leisure.
Momoa co-created the collection with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. Each share Native Hawaiian heritage and a dedication to genuine storytelling, Apple TV+ famous. This strategy extends to the predominantly Polynesian forged that includes notable skills together with Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and newcomer Kaina Makua.
Watch the Chief of Warfare teaser trailer:
Launch schedule and artistic group
Following its August 1 premiere with two episodes, new installments will launch weekly by September 19. The manufacturing represents a big inventive endeavor for Apple TV+, with a powerful roster of expertise behind the scenes.
Doug Jung serves as showrunner whereas Justin Chon directs the opening episodes. Momoa himself directs the season finale. The collection boasts a prestigious music pedigree with Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer composing the theme music and co-producing the rating for all episodes alongside James Everingham.
Persevering with partnership between Momoa and Apple TV+
This new collection follows Momoa’s earlier collaboration with Apple TV+ on the post-apocalyptic drama See, which ran for 3 profitable seasons. The actor seems to be deepening his relationship with the streaming service by this extra private mission that connects to his cultural heritage.
With its deal with Hawaiian historical past and indigenous views, Chief of Warfare might probably resonate with viewers in search of extra numerous historic narratives and those that have adopted Momoa’s profession from Recreation of Thrones by Aquaman and past. See extra details about the present beneath.
Chief of Warfare Jason Momoa fights Hawaii colonization [Apple TV+ first look]

Picture: Apple TV+
In March 31’s first take a look at Chief of Warfare, motion star Momoa wears a loin fabric as he reminds us that Hawaiian warriors fought the forces of Western colonization within the late 18th century. The burly star of See on Apple TV+ co-created the upcoming new present, with himself main a principally Polynesian forged.
So Momoa, effectively referred to as Baba Voss in See, Khal Drogo in Recreation of Thrones in addition to the titular aquatic super-hunk in Aquaman, doesn’t simply star in Chief of Warfare. He government produces and writes the epic drama collection, as effectively. And it may very well be an enchanting story of Hawaii’s historical past for many individuals who could not comprehend it.
Right here’s Apple TV+’s description:
“Set amidst the gorgeous backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode collection is predicated on true occasions and follows warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands earlier than Western colonization within the late 18th century. Carried out by a predominantly Polynesian forged led by Momoa, Chief of Warfare follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i on the flip of the 18th century.”
The forged contains Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Items, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka, the streamer added.
Watch Momoa in See on Apple TV+ whilst you watch for Chief of Warfare
Whilst you wait, you possibly can watch Momoa in three seasons of See streaming on Apple TV+. Chief of Warfare makes its international debut on Apple TV+ with the primary two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025. New episodes comply with on Fridays by September 19.
Apple TV+ is accessible by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You too can get it by way of any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Prospects who purchase a brand new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod contact can get pleasure from three months of Apple TV+ without cost.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ turned the primary all-original streaming service to launch world wide, and has premiered extra unique hits and acquired extra award recognitions sooner than another streaming service. Up to now, Apple Unique movies, documentaries and collection have been honored with 471 wins and a pair of,090 award nominations and counting,” the service stated.
Apple TV+ is dwelling to greater than 200 unique motion pictures and TV exhibits (together with breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso). The service additionally presents documentaries, dramas, comedies, children exhibits and extra.
We first printed this publish with the “first look” on March 31, 2025, and up to date it with the teaser trailer and new data on Might 21, 2025.