Jason Momoa Unleashes Fury in Explosive Chief of War Trailer

If you thought Jason Momoa was intense as Aquaman or feral as Khal Drogo, wait until you see him in Chief of War. The brand new trailer for Apple TV Plus’ historical epic just dropped, and it’s nothing short of fierce. Think tribal warfare, emotional upheaval, stunning Hawaiian landscapes, and, of course, Jason Momoa brooding with a spear in hand. Yes, it’s that level of dramatic.

The Chief of War trailer released on July 10, 2025, giving fans their first full-length look at the long-anticipated project. This is not just another period drama thrown together to chew up streaming hours. It’s a gritty deep dive into the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century, told through blood, fire, and a lot of yelling in the rain.

So let’s break it down. From who’s in it to what you can expect and why this trailer is already making waves, this is your ultimate guide to Chief of War.

Chief of War follows Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian warrior and noble who plays a crucial role during the volatile years of island unification. This is Hawaiian history told from the inside and with some serious cultural authenticity. Jason Momoa, who co-created the series, stars as Kaʻiana and pours his whole identity into the project. Born in Honolulu and raised with a strong connection to his Polynesian heritage, Momoa isn’t just playing a character. He’s telling his story.

The series is set in the late 1700s and explores how the Hawaiian Islands were unified under King Kamehameha. But don’t expect your high school history textbook retelling. This is drama soaked in betrayal, battle, and emotion. It’s raw, real, and finally being told by the people who lived it.

Let’s talk about the trailer. In under three minutes, it hits you with moody monologues, massive battle scenes, and a thunderous soundtrack that basically screams “prestige TV incoming.”

Momoa, of course, is front and center, giving off the sort of intensity that makes you want to immediately start training with a wooden spear. We see him navigating treacherous alliances, leading charges into battle, and carrying the weight of a fractured nation on his shoulders. There’s one scene where he stares into the horizon while fire dances behind him. It’s peak

Jason Momoa. No notes.

Shot on location in Hawaii, Chief of War brings the islands to life in a way few productions ever have. Forget postcard beaches and tourist traps. This is Hawaii raw and untamed. The lush green mountains, volcanic cliffs, and roaring ocean become characters in their own right.

Even more important, the production team clearly went the extra mile to make this show culturally grounded. Traditional clothing, rituals, and language are woven throughout the trailer, hinting at a show that’s as much about reclaiming identity as it is about conflict.

Beyond Momoa, the Chief of War cast is a who’s who of talent. You’ve got Temuera Morrison, known for playing Boba Fett, showing up as a steely-eyed elder. Luciane Buchanan takes on the role of Kaʻahumanu, a key figure in Hawaiian history. Cliff Curtis, Mainei Kinimaka, and Te Ao o Hinepehinga round out a stellar Polynesian-heavy ensemble.

Representation matters and this show is setting a new bar.

The first two episodes of Chief of War will drop on August 1, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV Plus. New episodes will air every Friday through September 19. So yes, you’ve got just enough time to binge your favorite history podcast and pretend you knew all about Kaʻiana before the show dropped.

Let’s be real. Historical dramas are a dime a dozen. Most are overly polished, culturally tone-deaf, or just plain boring. But Chief of War is different. It’s one of the first major series to put Pacific Islander history front and center and treat it with the scale and seriousness it deserves.

Jason Momoa has been trying to get this made for a decade. And now that it’s here, it looks like it might actually live up to the hype.

If the Chief of War trailer is anything to go by, this series is going to be a juggernaut. It's got action, heart, culture, and Jason Momoa yelling in slow motion. What more could you possibly want?

So mark your calendar, charge your Apple TV Plus subscription, and maybe learn how to pronounce Kaʻiana correctly. Because Chief of War isn’t just a show. It’s a cultural moment. And judging by this trailer, it's not pulling any punches.

Ready to dive into the war-torn beauty of Hawaiian history? Hit that play button on the trailer and start counting down to August 1. This is one series you don’t want to sleep on.