Chief of War Trailer Released: Jason Momoa’s Epic Apple TV+ Series Premieres August 1, 2025
Chief of War is ready for battle—and fans just got their first look. Apple TV+ has officially dropped the trailer for the highly anticipated historical drama starring Jason Momoa. This epic miniseries explores the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i, told from a powerful indigenous perspective.
Created by Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Chief of War premieres globally on Friday, August 1, 2025, with the first two episodes. Seven more will follow weekly through September 19.
Chief of War Official Trailer: First Look at Ka‘iana
The new trailer, unveiled on May 21, immerses viewers in sweeping landscapes, intense battlefield sequences, and rich cultural ceremony. It introduces Ka‘iana—played by Momoa—as a reluctant warrior and noble leader returning to his homeland. A stirring line sets the tone:
“Are you still the chief that desires peace over war?”
“Not today.”
This intense first look was previewed by leading entertainment outlets and has generated major buzz across social platforms.
Chief of War Episode Schedule
Chief of War consists of nine episodes, beginning August 1 with a double-episode premiere. Here’s the full rollout:
- S1·E1 – The Chief of War – August 1, 2025
- S1·E2 – Changing Tides – August 1, 2025
- S1·E3 – City of Flowers – August 8, 2025
- S1·E4 – Ciudad De Flores, Part II – August 15, 2025
- S1·E5 – The Race of the Gods – August 22, 2025
- S1·E6 – The Splintered Paddle – August 29, 2025
- S1·E7 – Day of Spilled Brains – September 5, 2025
- S1·E8 – The Sacred Niu Grove – September 12, 2025
- S1·E9 – The Black Desert – September 19, 2025
Episodes will stream exclusively on Apple TV+.
Chief of War Cast & Creative Team
Led by Jason Momoa as Ka‘iana, the Chief of War cast features a powerhouse of Polynesian and international talent:
- Jason Momoa as Ka‘iana
- Temuera Morrison as Chief Kahekili
- Luciane Buchanan as Ka‘ahumanu
- Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi
- Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I
- Moses Goods as Moku
- Siua Ikaleʻo as Nahiʻ
- Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule
- James Udom as Tony
- Mainei Kinimaka as Heke
- Te Kohe Tuhaka as Namakeʻ
- Siaosi Fonua as Maui
- Cliff Curtis as Keōua
- Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young
- Erroll Shand as Captain John Meares
Behind the scenes, the series is co-created by Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes, while Momoa himself directs the finale. The score comes from award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and James Everingham.
A Culturally Rooted Hawaiian Epic
Set at the turn of the 19th century, Chief of War follows the journey of Ka‘iana—a Native Hawaiian nobleman who travels abroad and returns to Hawai‘i during a time of violent power struggles among the islands’ four major kingdoms. As war escalates, Ka‘iana rises as a military leader before eventually turning against the forces of unification led by Kamehameha I.
This is not just a war story—it’s a deeply personal narrative about identity, sovereignty, and legacy. Jason Momoa has called the project his “Braveheart”, stating that Chief of War is the most challenging and important work of his career.
Watch Chief of War on Apple TV+
Chief of War premieres August 1, 2025, on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes. New episodes drop every Friday through September 19, 2025.
You can watch via the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and online.
Watch on More update on Willi Cinema.