Chief of War cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Apple TV's latest historical drama?

Apple TV+ enters bold new territory with Chief of War, a sweeping tale of Hawaiian legacy, and the cast brings the firepower to match its epic scale.

When it comes to historical dramas, Apple TV+ isn’t pulling any punches. Their newest entry, Chief of War, dives headfirst into the raw and riveting story of Hawaii’s path to unification and at its center stands a warrior both legendary and conflicted, portrayed by none other than Jason Momoa. But he's not alone. The Chief of War cast and character guide reveals a tapestry of powerful performances from seasoned veterans to exciting newcomers.

Let’s take a closer look at the actors who bring this 18th-century epic to life.

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Jason Momoa is Ka’iana

The warrior caught between duty and peace.

Momoa, who also serves as the series’ co-creator and director, finally gets to tell a story rooted in his Polynesian heritage. As Ka’iana, a former war chief turned reluctant hero, he battles not just enemies but a fractured land. This role comes after genre-defining turns in Game of Thrones, Aquaman, and See, but here, the stakes feel more personal.

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Te Ao o Hinepehinga is Kupuohi

More than just a warrior’s wife.

New Zealand-based Te Ao o Hinepehinga may be a fresh face for many viewers, but her portrayal of Kupuohi, Ka’iana’s fierce and devoted wife, is magnetic. From battlefield to shoreline, her character is as emotionally resonant as she is physically formidable.

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Temuera Morrison is King Kahekili

A ruler ruled by prophecy.

Veteran actor Temuera Morrison, known for his work in Star Wars and Once Were Warriors, returns to his dramatic roots as the prophetic, power-hungry King Kahekili. As Ka’iana’s former master, his actions set the stage for the bloody drama that follows. Morrison brings gravity and menace to every scene.

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Cliff Curtis is Keōua

The patriarch of greatness.

Cliff Curtis (Avatar: The Way of Water, Fear the Walking Dead) takes on the role of Keōua, father of the future King Kamehameha. A veteran of emotionally complex roles, Curtis once again proves why he’s a powerhouse in both local and international cinema.

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Luciane Buchanan is Kaʻahumanu

A noblewoman trapped by tradition.

Known to global audiences for The Night Agent, Buchanan steps into the role of Kaʻahumanu, a high chief’s daughter thrust into a marriage for politics, not love. She embodies the emotional and political tensions at the heart of the series, standing out as one of the show's most dynamic figures.

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Siua Ikale’o is Nahi’

The sword at Ka’iana’s side.

Another strong addition to the Chief Of War cast, Ikale’o plays Nahi’, Ka’iana’s closest ally and most trusted warrior. With past credits in NCIS: Hawai’i, his return to screen in this series feels like a rebirth.

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Introducing the Next Generation

New faces make history.

• Kaina Makua debuts as Kamehameha I, the figure destined to unite Hawaii.
• Brandon Finn portrays Prince Kūpule, bringing island-born authenticity to the screen.
• Moses Goods (from Marvel’s Inhumans) plays Moku, a trusted islander.
• James Udom, of Judas and the Black Messiah fame, appears as Tony.
• Benjamin Hoetjes and Erroll Shand round out the cast in key supporting roles, including historical figures like John Young and Captain John Meares.

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A cast worthy of the legend

More than just historical reenactment, Chief Of War is a powerful ensemble piece driven by identity, resistance, and legacy. The show’s creators have taken great care to blend star power with authentic representation, and it shows in every battle cry, every silent stare, and every breaking wave.

With its powerful visuals and unforgettable characters, the Chief Of War cast and character guide promises more than just entertainment; it offers a rare, cinematic voyage into a history that deserves to be told.