Jason Momoa’s Chief of War: A Decade-Long Dream to Bring Hawaiian History and Culture to Global Screens
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Jason Momoa, widely known for his larger-than-life roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman, has embarked on what he calls his “dream project”—Chief of War, a groundbreaking series rooted deeply in his Native Hawaiian heritage. The journey to bring this culturally rich story to life has been long and deeply personal, requiring not only years of planning but also a profound commitment to authenticity, including mastering the Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: A Challenge Greater Than Dragons
Momoa revealed that learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was one of the most difficult linguistic feats he has undertaken—far tougher than mastering Dothraki for Game of Thrones. He worked intensively with his linguistic coach, Kaho’okahi Kanua, spending months perfecting pronunciation and grasping the language’s unique vowel-based phonetics. Kanua even lived with Momoa to facilitate the immersive learning process, breaking down mouth movements and sounds in painstaking detail. Momoa’s dedication was so fierce that he describes “busting his ass” to master the language, reflecting the deep respect he holds for his culture.
Bigger Than Game of Thrones: A Cultural Epic
Highlighting the series’ cultural weight, a former Game of Thrones collaborator reportedly told Momoa, “This is bigger than Game of Thrones… Fuck dragons, dude.” This stark comparison underscores the difference between fantasy epics and the powerful, real-world narratives that Chief of War aims to tell—stories drawn from indigenous histories and grounded in Polynesian identities rather than mythic fantasy.
A Decade in the Making
The concept for Chief of War was born in 2015, when Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett envisioned a series that would require significant momentum and timing to realize. It wasn’t until 2022 that Apple TV+ commissioned the show, perfectly aligning with Momoa’s rising star power, boosted by his role in Minecraft and other projects. The series, consisting of nine episodes, is set for a global debut on August 1, 2025, with weekly episodes running through mid-September.
Momoa reflects on the lengthy process with pride, noting it took 25 years of career-building to reach the moment where he could fully realize such an ambitious vision.
Rooted in Home, Culture, and Heart
Born in Honolulu with Native Hawaiian ancestry, Momoa describes Chief of War as a deeply personal homage to his people and culture. He likens the project to cultural epics like Braveheart and The Last of the Mohicans, aiming to tell a story that honors Polynesian history and resilience. To preserve authenticity, the series is filmed almost entirely in Hawaiian, features a predominantly Polynesian cast, and employs cultural advisors across all departments.
Momoa’s commitment extends to wardrobe, proudly donning the traditional malo loincloth, which he calls “an honor” both culturally and personally.
Authentic Representation and Casting
The casting process exemplifies Momoa’s dedication to genuine representation. One standout example is Kaina Makua, a taro farmer with no previous acting experience, discovered by Momoa at an outrigger race in Kauai and cast as Kamehameha, a central figure in Hawaiian history. The series boasts a balanced mix of Kanaka Maoli and other Polynesian actors, including renowned names like Temuera Morrison and Luciane Buchanan, showcasing a unified Polynesian front and opening doors for future indigenous storytelling.
Bringing History to Life
Co-written by Momoa and Sibbett with input from cultural organization Awaiaulu, Chief of War embraces meticulous historical accuracy, from language to the construction of war vessels using traditional techniques. Filming took place starting in October 2022 in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, standing in for 18th-century Hawaii’s lush landscapes.
Momoa’s longstanding partnership with Sibbett—who shares Native Hawaiian ancestry—also strengthens the project’s foundation. Their previous collaborations on films like The Last Manhunt and Road to Paloma highlight a shared vision of telling indigenous stories with integrity and passion.
Chief of War stands poised to be a landmark series—one that not only entertains but educates and uplifts Polynesian culture on a global stage. For Jason Momoa, this is far more than a role; it’s a lifelong mission to honor his roots, inspire future generations, and share a powerful chapter of Hawaiian history with the world.
