UNITED we stand

JASON MOMOA stars in a historical adventure exploring a Hawaiian warrior's epic mission

- STEVEN PERKINS

CHIEF OF WAR

NEW FROM FRI 1 AUG, APPLE TV+ DRAMA (FIRST TWO EPS FROM 1 AUG, THEN WEEKLY)

The islands of Hawaii are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, but they also share a complex history. Now, sprawling new drama Chief of War, created by screenwriter Thomas Pa'a Sibbett and Aquaman star Jason Momoa, chronicles the battle to unite the divided kingdoms in the late 18th century.

The nine-part series for Apple TV+ is inspired by true events and follows legendary Hawaiian warrior Kaʻiana (played by Jason) as he attempts to bring the four islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii together before Western colonisers arrive to claim them for themselves.

'Ka'iana risked everything for his land and his people,' says Jason, who turns 46 on Friday 1 August, the same day the show launches. 'He is fearless and a visionary, and his journey is full of action, drama and romance. This is an amazing story about the unification of the Hawaiian islands, brought to life on a massive scale.'

Here, Jason, Thomas and costume designer Caroline Eselin take us behind the scenes...

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

The miniseries is a passion project for Jason and Thomas, who both have Hawaiian heritage, and they were keen to pay tribute to the archipelago by delivering a Hollywood-style blockbuster.

'We wanted to make a big epic in the tradition of films like The Last of the Mohicans [1992] and Braveheart [1995], but about Hawaii,' shares Jason, who was born in Hawaii's capital Honolulu. 'It's mind-blowing to be able to tell the incredible story of my ancestors.'