| Genre: | Historical drama |
| Country: | United States |
| Language: | English |
| Network: | Apple TV+ |
Chief of War is an upcoming Hawaiian historical drama miniseries created by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett and Jason Momoa for Apple TV+. Momoa also stars and executive produces the series, which consists of nine episodes.
The story is based on historic events and begins at the turn of the 18th century when the four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands were in a state of war. The series follows Kaʻiana, a Native Hawaiian (kānaka ʻōiwi/maoli) warrior and aliʻi (noble) who travels outside of the islands. He returns home and joins a bloody campaign until, at the last minute, he rebels. The unification of Hawaii took place from 1782 to 1810 under King Kamehameha I. Ka'iana (portrayed by Momoa), was called a "Prince of Kaua'i" and the "most famous Hawaiian in the world."
The third through eighth episodes are written by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett & Jason Momoa and Doug Jung. The ninth episode is written by Sibbett & Momoa.[1]
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.[2] Justin Chon was set to direct two episodes of the series that same month.[3] 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.[4] [5] [6] Cliff Curtis would join in a recurring role in February 2023.[7]
Filming for the series began by October 2022 in New Zealand, with Bay of Islands being used to stand in for 18th century Hawaii.[8] Major battle scenes were filmed in December in the lava fields of Kalapana, on the southeastern coast of Hawaii Island.[9]