Chief of Waris Apple TV+’s historical epic about the unification of Hawaii, and its cast is composed of both acting legends and unfamiliar faces. This is one of Apple’s most ambitious series yet, and it’s been along-term passion project for Jason Momoa, who produces, writes, directs, and stars in the series, following ten years of trying to get it off the ground.
Chief of Waris based on real-life history, with Momoa playing the legendary warrior Ka’iana. Set in the 18th century, the story examines the four Hawaiian islands, prior to their unification, in a conflict between the various kingdoms. The show is action-packed and exceptionally written, but the casting is its strongest asset.
Jason Momoa as Ka’iana
Born August 07, 2025
Actor:Jason Momoa is an actor from Honolulu, Hawaii who began pursuing acting when he was 19 years old.His first role was onBaywatch Hawaii, but his true breakout came from playing Ronon Dex inStargate Atlantis. Then, Momoa’s one-season run onGame of Thronesshot him into international stardom.
FollowingGame of Thrones,he found success as Aquaman in the DCEU, in which his first eponymous solo film grossed over $1 billion. He’s continued to be a box office magnet since, appearing in massive films likeDune,Fast X, and 2025’sA Minecraft Movie. In 2026, he’ll appear inStreet FighterandSupergirl.
Fast X(2023)
Dante
Character:Jason Momoa plays the legendary warrior Ka’iana inChief of War. He previously served as War Chief to King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), but decided to leave in order to pursue a more peaceful life for his family.Chief of Warforces him back into the bloody conflict.
Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu
Born July 25, 2025
Actor:Luciane Buchanan isa New Zealand actress whose first role was Cherie James in the biographical dramaBilly. Her first prominent role in her home country was Aroha Nash in the New Zealand TV showThe Blue Rose. However, she found international notoriety withThe Night Agent, which she co-led for two seasons.
The Night Agent
Rose Larkin
Character:Kaʻahumanu, the daughter of a high chief, becomes entangled in the conflict when her father decrees that she must be wedded to another chief.
Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili
Born August 14, 2025
Actor:Temuera Morrison is a veteran actor from Rotorua, New Zealand, whohad his big break in the New Zealand soap operaShortland Street. Morrison then made the jump to movies, giving a critically acclaimed performance in the 1994 filmOnce Were Warriors, where he appeared withChief of Warco-star Cliff Curtis.
Since then, Temuera Morrison has become one of the most recognizable supporting actors in cinema, with his iconic role as Jango/Boba Fett in theStar Warsfranchise being a major standout. He’s done voice acting work in theMoanamovies, and he also played Jason Momoa’s father in theAquamanmovies.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Powell
Character:King Kahekili is a warmongering leader who believes in a prophecy from his seers that speaks of Hawaii’s unification.
Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi
Born N/A
Actor:Te Ao o Hinepehinga is an actress who won’t be all that familiar to American audiences watchingChief of War, as her primary acting credits so far have been in New Zealand productions. This includes the TV showsHead Hgh,Breakwater, andBlack Hands. She also had a run onShortland Street, decades after Temuera Morrison’s run.
Breakwater
Mai
Character:Kupuohi is the wife of Ka’iana, who battles alongside him and joins in his travels throughout the islands.
Siua Ikale’o as Nahi'
Actor:Siua Ikale’o is an actor of Polynesian descent who has primarily appeared in productions shot in Hawaii. This includesNCIS: Hawai’i, although only in a guest starring role.Chief of Warwill be his first film or TV series to be released in years, and it will be followed up by a crime thriller calledNemesis.
NCIS: Hawai’i
Ricky Sio
Character:Nahi' is a close supporter of Ka’iana’s and a formidable warrior.
Cliff Curtis as Keōua
Born June 09, 2025
Actor:Cliff Curtis is a New Zealand actor whohad his big break playing Bully in the 1994 movieOnce Were Warriors. He’s since appeared in prominent movies and TV shows, including a leading role on AMC’sFear the Walking Dead.
In cinema, Curtis has appeared in blockbusters likeFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Meg,Avatar: The Way of Water,Training Day,andSunshine, as well as New Zealand films likeThe Dark HorseandJubilee, which earned him awards in his home country.
Avatar: The Way of Water
Tonowari
Character:In real-world history, Keōua was a Hawaiian noble and the father of Kamehameha the Great.
Chief Of War Supporting Cast & Characters
Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I:Kaina Makua is an actor who will be making his screen debut inChief of War.
Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule:Brandon Finn is a Hawaiian-born actor who’s previously appeared in shows likeFBI: InternationalandHawaii Five-0.
Moses Goods as Moku:Moses Goods is a Hawaiian actor known for his work on the stage, as well as screen credits likeNCIS: Hawai’iand Marvel’sInhumans.
James Udom as Tony:James Udom is an actor who’s known for roles in films and TV shows, including the Best Picture-winningJudas and the Black Messiah.
Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young:Benjamin Hoetjes is an actor who had a background role inAvatar: The Way of Water.
Erroll Shand as Captain John Meares:Erroll Shand is an actor who’s appeared in shows likeOur Flag Means DeathandThe Clearing.
