Chief of phwoar: Momoa aims for authenticity in new series

Yolanthe Fawehinmi previews Chief of War

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Even though many films and TV shows have benefited from the timeless beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, American actor Jason Momoa doesn’t think many have been able to observe its history with much “cultural authenticity”.

So, when the 45-year-old was approached to do a story about the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kamehameha - who united the Hawaiian islands in 1810 - he knew it was time to dramatise the island state's rich and complex history, including the culture that was almost lost.

This urge gave birth to a passion project - new Apple TV+ historical drama Chief Of War. The series is executive produced and co-written by the Aquaman star, alongside Hawaiian film producer Thomas Pa a Sibbett.

The nine-episode series - Momoa directs the season finale - tells the story of the unification of Hawaii through another character, warrior Ka’iana - portrayed by Momoa - before Western colonisation in the late 18th century.