Jason Momoa & Cliff Curtis Spotted Together—Their Secret Bond Uncovered!

Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis have become synonymous with roles that highlight indigenous narratives, and their professional collaboration on the Apple TV+ series Chief of War has revealed a deeper connection between the two actors. Beyond the shared work on this significant project, their public interactions and cultural ties suggest a friendship that extends well beyond the screen. This analysis delves into their growing bond, examining their collaborative projects, social appearances, and cultural connections.

Professional Collaboration: Chief of War and Shared Passion for Indigenous Storytelling

The cornerstone of Momoa and Curtis’s professional relationship is their work on Chief of War, a highly anticipated Apple TV+ series that began production in October 2022. Announced in April 2022, the series, created by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, focuses on the unification of Hawaii and its colonization, told from an indigenous perspective. In Chief of War, Momoa stars as Kaʻiana, a Native Hawaiian warrior, while Curtis plays Keōua, the cousin of Kamehameha, in a recurring role.

This project is deeply personal for Momoa, who has long advocated for indigenous storytelling and has a particular connection to the Hawaiian culture. The casting of Curtis, an actor known for his roles in films such as Whale Rider and Once Were Warriors, which also explore Polynesian and Maori themes, brings further authenticity to the series. Curtis’s involvement in Chief of War also indicates his personal alignment with the project’s cultural significance, and the two actors’ shared commitment to telling indigenous stories likely fosters a stronger professional bond.

Filming took place in New Zealand, with locations like the Bay of Islands used to stand in for 18th-century Hawaii. The production’s emphasis on using culturally relevant settings and perspectives speaks to the deep cultural connection both actors bring to their roles. The presence of other notable actors like Temuera Morrison in the cast further solidifies the project’s roots in Polynesian representation.

Social Interactions: Casual Outings and Friendship Beyond Work

While their professional relationship is apparent, the friendship between Momoa and Curtis extends into their personal lives. On March 15, 2025, the two were photographed in central London, strolling together and appearing relaxed in each other’s company. Momoa, sporting a black top hat and leather jacket, enjoyed a Cuban cigar while Curtis accompanied him, both actors looking at ease as they walked through the streets. This casual outing suggests that their relationship is more than just professional, with the two spending time together outside of work.

Earlier, on August 17, 2024, Momoa shared a reel on Instagram that showed him and Curtis at the All Blacks vs Argentina Rugby Championship game in New Zealand, alongside other celebrities like Steve Adams and Joseph Parker. This social event underscored their camaraderie and highlighted a fun, friendly interaction, further deepening the sense that their relationship is built on more than just their shared work.

In May 2023, Momoa also celebrated the upcoming film Fast X with a group he referred to as his “Kiwi ohana,” or family, which included director Taika Waititi and Curtis. This Instagram post, which described the group as “trouble makers,” showcased the broader network of Polynesian actors and filmmakers with whom Momoa and Curtis are closely connected. These gatherings not only emphasize their professional camaraderie but also hint at a close-knit community bound by cultural ties and mutual respect.

Cultural and Personal Connections: Shared Heritage and Values

The cultural bond between Momoa and Curtis is central to understanding their friendship. Both men come from indigenous backgrounds: Momoa, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, is of Native Hawaiian descent, while Curtis, born in Rotorua, New Zealand, is of Maori descent, specifically affiliated with the Te Arawa and Ngāti Hauiti tribes. This shared heritage plays a crucial role in the types of roles they gravitate toward and the projects they champion.

For both actors, portraying indigenous stories is more than just a job—it’s a means of preserving and sharing their cultures with the world. Curtis’s work in Whale Rider and Once Were Warriors has earned him recognition for his dedication to Maori storytelling, paralleling Momoa’s advocacy for Hawaiian narratives, as seen in Chief of War. Their shared commitment to these causes, alongside their personal connections to their cultures, provides a strong foundation for their friendship.

This cultural bond extends beyond just Momoa and Curtis, as both actors are part of a wider Polynesian entertainment circle that includes figures like Temuera Morrison and Taika Waititi. Momoa’s friendship with Waititi, for example, has been well-documented in social media posts and interviews, with the two often sharing their mutual love for their heritage and the creative opportunities they share. It’s likely that this community of Polynesian actors and filmmakers, with their shared values and cultural pride, strengthens Momoa and Curtis’s personal connection as well.

Conclusion

Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis’s relationship goes beyond the confines of their professional collaboration on Chief of War. While their shared work on the series underscores their commitment to indigenous storytelling, their public outings, social media interactions, and shared cultural ties suggest a deep and enduring friendship. Both actors have built careers around their cultural heritage, and this common ground likely strengthens their bond, making their relationship a meaningful and supportive one. As their careers continue to intersect and evolve, fans can look forward to seeing how their friendship and professional synergy continue to unfold.