Apple TV+ has unveiled the first trailer for Chief of War, its sweeping new historical drama co-created by Jason Momoa, who also stars and executive produces the nine-episode series. The epic premieres globally on Friday, August 1, 2025, with the first two episodes dropping at once, followed by weekly episodes through September 19.
Told from an indigenous Hawaiian perspective, Chief of War chronicles the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i in the late 18th century through the eyes of warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Momoa. Set against the lush and turbulent backdrop of pre-colonial Hawai‘i, the series brings to life a pivotal era in the islands’ history — a subject rarely explored on screen with this level of authenticity and scale.
A passion project for both Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Chief of War marks a return to roots for the two Native Hawaiian creatives. In their vision, the story is centered not just on action and conquest, but also on identity, sovereignty, and the cost of change.
The ensemble cast is led by a powerhouse of Polynesian talent, including Luciane Buchanan (The Night Agent), Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett), Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead), Te Ao o Hinepehinga (Breakwater), Moses Goods (NCIS: Hawai‘i), Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn (Three Women), James Udom (Echo 3), Mainei Kinimaka (See), Te Kohe Tuhaka (The Dead Lands), Benjamin Hoetjes (Mystery Road), and newcomer Kaina Makua.
The series is produced by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment for Apple TV+. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook, and Brian Andrew Mendoza. Momoa also directs the season finale, while acclaimed director Justin Chon (Blue Bayou, Pachinko) helms the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer.
Behind the music is Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer, who created the theme and co-produced the series score with James Everingham. The music was developed through Bleeding Fingers Music, the Emmy-winning composer collective co-founded by Zimmer.
Chief of War follows the global success of Momoa’s previous Apple TV+ series See, and continues the streamer’s investment in bold, culturally rich storytelling. With an emphasis on authentic representation and breathtaking production design, Chief of War is positioned as one of Apple’s most ambitious dramas to date.
Watch the trailer for Chief of War