Who Stars In Jason Momoa’s Historical Drama

Chief of War is Apple TV+’s historical epic about the unification of Hawaii, and its cast is composed of both acting legends and unfamiliar faces. This is one of Apple’s most ambitious series yet, and it’s been a long-term passion project for Jason Momoa, who produces, writes, directs, and stars in the series, following ten years of trying to get it off the ground.

Chief of War is based on real-life history, with Momoa playing the legendary warrior Ka’iana. Set in the 18th century, the story examines the four Hawaiian islands, prior to their unification, in a conflict between the various kingdoms. The show is action-packed and exceptionally written, but the casting is its strongest asset.

Jason Momoa as Ka’iana

Born August 1, 1979

Actor: Jason Momoa is an actor from Honolulu, Hawaii who began pursuing acting when he was 19 years old. His first role was on Baywatch Hawaii, but his true breakout came from playing Ronon Dex in Stargate Atlantis. Then, Momoa’s one-season run on Game of Thrones shot him into international stardom.

Following Game of Thrones, he found success as Aquaman in the DCEU, in which his first eponymous solo film grossed over $1 billion. He’s continued to be a box office magnet since, appearing in massive films like Dune, Fast X, and 2025’s A Minecraft Movie. In 2026, he’ll appear in Street Fighter and Supergirl.

Character: Jason Momoa plays the legendary warrior Ka’iana in Chief of War. He previously served as War Chief to King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), but decided to leave in order to pursue a more peaceful life for his family. Chief of War forces him back into the bloody conflict.

Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu

Born July 18, 1993

Actor: Luciane Buchanan is a New Zealand actress whose first role was Cherie James in the biographical drama Billy. Her first prominent role in her home country was Aroha Nash in the New Zealand TV show The Blue Rose. However, she found international notoriety with The Night Agent, which she co-led for two seasons.

Character: Kaʻahumanu, the daughter of a high chief, becomes entangled in the conflict when her father decrees that she must be wedded to another chief.

Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili

Born December 26, 1960

Actor: Temuera Morrison is a veteran actor from Rotorua, New Zealand, who had his big break in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Morrison then made the jump to movies, giving a critically acclaimed performance in the 1994 film Once Were Warriors, where he appeared with Chief of War co-star Cliff Curtis.

Since then, Temuera Morrison has become one of the most recognizable supporting actors in cinema, with his iconic role as Jango/Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise being a major standout. He’s done voice acting work in the Moana movies, and he also played Jason Momoa’s father in the Aquaman movies.

Character: King Kahekili is a warmongering leader who believes in a prophecy from his seers that speaks of Hawaii’s unification.

Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi

Born N/A

Actor: Te Ao o Hinepehinga is an actress who won’t be all that familiar to American audiences watching Chief of War, as her primary acting credits so far have been in New Zealand productions. This includes the TV shows Head Hgh, Breakwater, and Black Hands. She also had a run on Shortland Street, decades after Temuera Morrison’s run.

Character: Kupuohi is the wife of Ka’iana, who battles alongside him and joins in his travels throughout the islands.

Siua Ikale’o as Nahi’

Born N/A

Actor: Siua Ikale’o is an actor of Polynesian descent who has primarily appeared in productions shot in Hawaii. This includes NCIS: Hawai’i, although only in a guest starring role. Chief of War will be his first film or TV series to be released in years, and it will be followed up by a crime thriller called Nemesis.

Character: Nahi’ is a close supporter of Ka’iana’s and a formidable warrior.

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Cliff Curtis as Keōua

Born July 27, 1968

Actor: Cliff Curtis is a New Zealand actor who had his big break playing Bully in the 1994 movie Once Were Warriors. He’s since appeared in prominent movies and TV shows, including a leading role on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead.

In cinema, Curtis has appeared in blockbusters like Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Meg, Avatar: The Way of Water, Training Day, and Sunshine, as well as New Zealand films like The Dark Horse and Jubilee, which earned him awards in his home country.

Character: In real-world history, Keōua was a Hawaiian noble and the father of Kamehameha the Great.

Chief Of War Supporting Cast & Characters

Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I: Kaina Makua is an actor who will be making his screen debut in Chief of War.

Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule: Brandon Finn is a Hawaiian-born actor who’s previously appeared in shows like FBI: International and Hawaii Five-0.

Moses Goods as Moku: Moses Goods is a Hawaiian actor known for his work on the stage, as well as screen credits like NCIS: Hawai’i and Marvel’s Inhumans.

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James Udom as Tony: James Udom is an actor who’s known for roles in films and TV shows, including the Best Picture-winning Judas and the Black Messiah.

Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young: Benjamin Hoetjes is an actor who had a background role in Avatar: The Way of Water.

Erroll Shand as Captain John Meares: Erroll Shand is an actor who’s appeared in shows like Our Flag Means Death and The Clearing.

Chief of War

7/10

Release Date

August 1, 2025

Network

Apple TV+