‘Chief of War’ trailer release: Jason Momoa unleashes fierce warrior spirits

Apple TV+ unveiled the first full trailer for its upcoming drama miniseries, Chief of War, on Thursday, in a beautifully woven and gripping first look that balances both spectacle and storytelling. The story is infused with the history of Hawaiian heritage and the resistance against Western colonisation, following warrior-noble Ka’iana, played by Jason Momoa, as he tries to unify the four major kingdoms of Hawaii. Momoa conceived the idea with Thoma Pa’a Sibbett and co-wrote it with him, serving as executive producer and starring in the lead role. The show was designed to transport its viewers to the heart of a troubled land and its attempts at reconciliation in the face of growing foreign threats.

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In the three-minute trailer, Momoa’s character forebodingly states, “They will be coming soon. If this island is divided, this kingdom will fall,” in a moment that foreshadows the internal and looming external conflicts ravaging the island. The streaming service announced that the story would be told from an indigenous perspective and would honour its roots with a primarily Polynesian cast, adding Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka, and Benjamin Hoetjes as well.

With visually stunning cinematography featuring the gorgeous scenery of Hawaii, coupled with glimpses of the political turmoil that ravages it, sun-drenched beaches turn into blood-soaked battlegrounds in a marvellous depiction of the contrasting realities. A deeply authentic telling which arrives as a passion project for the creators in their desire to tell the tale of their gory heritage, documenting an easily forgotten history with its accuracy to the actual historical occurrences, coupled with the use of the native Hawaiian language.

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The score for the entire series has been composed by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham, promising an auditory paradise for the viewers. Justin Chon is announced to be directing the first two episodes, while Momoa himself steps into the shoes of the director for the final episode in the 9-episode show.

The first two episodes will be released on August 1 this year, with an episode dropping every week on Friday until the finale on September 19.

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