[Image: Apple Studios]
Ever since Game of Thrones limped across the finish line, fans have been scrambling for something, anything, to fill that gaping, dragon-shaped void.
Sure, House of the Dragon tried, but let’s not kid ourselves: we already know how that Targaryen soap opera ends, and most of us still haven’t forgiven the writers for doing Jon Snow dirty. (Kit Harington deserved better, and I’ll die on that hill.)
What we need is something new. Something bold. Something with grit, grandeur, and a battle-hardened hero you’d follow into war. Enter: Chief of War, Apple TV+’s upcoming series set in pre-colonial Hawaii. There are no dragons here, just real history, real stakes, and Jason Momoa swinging a weapon like he’s got something to prove.
Set just before the 19th century, Chief of War tells the story of how the Hawaiian Islands were unified in the face of colonisation, not from the perspective of invading Europeans, but from the indigenous people fighting to protect their home.
That’s already a fresh take, but it gets better: Jason Momoa not only stars as Kaʻiana, a noble warrior at the centre of it all, he also co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced the series with Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett. This isn’t just another paycheck gig; it’s a passion project from two native Hawaiians who are reclaiming their own narrative. And frankly, it’s about time.
It is also worth noting that this isn’t a fantasy show, per Movieweb. There are no white-haired queens or magical swords. But don’t let that fool you, Chief of War still hits that Game of Thrones sweet spot. The story is big. The action is brutal. And unlike Westeros, where your favourites were constantly being butchered in shocking plot twists, this story actually happened. That makes it even more epic. Anyone can write a legendary tale, but a living one is a different beast entirely.
And let’s be honest, Momoa was born to play a warrior. Ever since his days grunting and glaring as Khal Drogo, he’s been typecast as the battle-hardened badass. Here, though, it’s different. With his deep roots in Hawaiian culture and his sheer screen presence, this feels less like a role and more like a calling. You can practically see the mana radiating off him in the trailers.
Oh, and did we mention the series leans into ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language? That’s right, this show doesn’t just pay lip service to authenticity. As Kaʻiana journeys across the globe, Chief of War expands beyond the shores of Hawaii to show just how entangled this story really is with global history. It’s all around geopolitical, spiritual, and sweeping in scale. Think Gladiator meets Braveheart, but with canoes instead of horses and way more ocean.
In many ways, this show mirrors the Thrones arc. Just like the Seven Kingdoms had to set aside their petty beefs to fight the White Walkers, the Hawaiian islands must unite to survive colonisation. And at the heart of it all is Kaʻiana, who may not be the king, but is definitely the kingmaker.
Yes, if you’re a history nerd, you probably already know how this ends. But don’t let that stop you. Catch the first two episodes of Chief of War on Apple TV+ starting August 1, with new episodes every Friday.
The series wraps with a finale on September 19, 2025, but something tells us people will be talking about this one long after the credits roll.
No dragons, no problem. The fire’s still burning.
[Source: Movieweb]
