On the evening of Friday, 18 July in O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, Apple TV+ celebrated the world premiere of its highly anticipated epic drama “Chief of War” with a vibrant cultural event set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands, featuring musical performances and traditional ceremonies at Ko Olina Beach Park. Starring, written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and featuring a predominantly Polynesian cast, the nine-episode historical series will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with its first two episodes on Friday, 1 August, 2025 followed by a new episode every Friday through 19 September.
Attendees at the red carpet premiere included Momoa and co-creator, co-writer and executive producer Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, and cast members Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka, along with executive producer and showrunner Doug Jung, executive producer and director Justin Chon, and executive producers Jim Rowe, Brian Andrew Mendoza, Jenno Topping and Tracey Cook.
The celebration began with a powerful welcome ceremony led by cultural leader Kaumakahiwa Kanaka‘ole, accompanied by Momoa and Sibbett. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live performances by acclaimed Polynesian artists Kalani Pe‘a, Josh Tatofi and Common Kings with special guest Stan Walker, as well as traditional hula performances by local men’s and women’s hālau, showcasing the spirit and beauty of Hawaiian culture. Attendees were also treated to exquisite Hawaiian cuisine from renowned chef Sam Choy, Da Bald Guy food truck, Roy’s, MW Restaurant, Hawaiian Pie Company and more.
Based on true events, “Chief of War” follows warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonisation in the late 18th century. Told from an indigenous perspective, the series is a passion project for Momoa and Sibbett, who share native Hawaiian heritage.
“Chief of War” is produced for Apple TV+ by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Andrew Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engström, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer wrote the theme music and co-produced the score for all nine episodes with composer James Everingham during his tenure with Bleeding Fingers Music, the multi-Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA Award-nominated composer collective co-founded by Zimmer in 2013.
“Chief of War” follows the worldwide success of Apple’s hit series “See,” starring Momoa. All three chapters of “See” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favourite screens. After its launch on 1 November, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honoured with 580 wins and 2,761 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
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