Chief of War: How Jason Momoa Brought Hawaiian History to Life

Chief of War: How Jason Momoa Brought Hawaiian History to Life Jason Momoa isn’t just the star of Apple TV+’s Chief of War—he co-created it, wrote it, and even directed the series finale on the lava fields of Hawai‘i Island. In this behind-the-scenes breakdown, Collider explores how this epic series blends personal legacy, Indigenous storytelling, and cinematic ambition to spotlight a chapter of Hawaiian history rarely seen on screen. We unpack the cultural weight behind the production—from the use of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian language) to the deep involvement of Native Hawaiian advisors and practitioners at every step. Plus, we break down how Chief of War turned real volcanic eruptions and sacred rituals into vital parts of the show’s atmosphere. Filmed across Kalapana and New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, Chief of War is more than a historical epic—it’s a landmark in Indigenous representation, with casting choices that reflect a broader Pacific kinship. This is the story behind the story: how Jason Momoa made his most personal project yet, and why it matters. 0:00 - Jason Momoa’s Vision for Chief of War 0:29 - Writing, Directing & the Lava Field Finale 1:41 - Cultural Advisors & ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i 3:48 - The Bay of Islands as Pre-Colonial Hawai‘i 4:37 - Shooting During Eruptions in Hawai‘i 5:46 - The Meaningful Casting Process 7:18 - Tears, Goosebumps & Laughter More Collider BTS videos →    • Behind The Scenes 🎬   #ChiefOfWar #JasonMomoa #BehindTheScenes Our Social Media:   / collider   www.x.com/Collider Our Website https://www.collider.com For copyright matters, please contact us at: [email protected]