Jason Momoa’s new historical drama show,Chief of War, is a hit with audiences and critics alike, and the actor and series creator are speaking out about a controversial, real-life character who is depicted in the series. Momoa, who once starred inStargate Atlantis and Game of Thrones,has been further establishing himself as a major face of television.
He has also been busy at work as a movie star. The prolific actor appeared in a leading role in this year’sA Minecraft Movie,which is currently 2025’s third-highest-grossing film. Momoa will next be seen on the big screen in the filmsIn the Hand of Dante, Supergirl, Dune: Part Three,and several more.
Momoa’s new Apple TV+ series,Chief of War,depicts the battle of the kingdoms of Hawaii in the 1800s. During an interview withScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier, Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett discussed the inclusion of Kamehameha, a controversial king of Hawaii, who is played by Kaina Makua.
Momoa and Paʻa Sibbett revealed during the interview that Makua was born to play Kamehameha, and that they didn’t do much to coach him because he already had the performance nailed from the very beginning.
ScreenRant: What made him the right choice to carry that role? And how did you guys work with him in channeling that lived-in authenticity into his performance?
Jason Momoa: We didn’t teach him a thing.
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett: No, we didn’t. [Laughs] He did that.
Jason Momoa: We can barely talk to him. He’s so good, he was born to play this role, he was born to step in these shoes. I think he perpetuates everything that a Hawaiian Kanaka is. The moment I laid eyes on him, I’m like, “Who is that?” And then when I got to know him, he had all those attributes. And really, for us, putting him in front of the camera, he actually felt really comfortable. I’m sure he felt a little nervous, but you couldn’t watch a good performance for 10 years into my career, like, he’s out of the gates, just like a hammer. He was born for this, and that moment was born for me to see him and go like, “There was no casting. If he didn’t play it, we wouldn’t have it. You are it.” And we really had to convince him, because he did not want to do it.
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett: He’s not chasing it. We could not lure him or attempt him with Hollywood glory.
Jason Momoa: No money, nothing could ever [sway him], anything. He cared about his community, cared about teaching, cared about his family. He didn’t want to leave. There were all these things where he is just like, “No, I have too much responsibility.” And I’m like, “I mean, this is a pretty big thing. This is going to offer a lot for all of our children.” And I don’t blame him. He has built this world that is beautiful, and I see the reluctancy to it. But, finally, he trusted us. We’re brothers now, but he was the heart. I’ve never had to court anyone, no woman, male, nothing. That was the hardest court I’ve ever had to do to get him.
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett: Even then, he didn’t do it for us. He literally came because he said he understands the weight of the story, understands the weight of this character. And, “Even though this is not me, this is not my life. I don’t really want to be a part, I don’t want to be an actor. I will do this because it will help perpetuate [the message]. It’ll help be something for the kids. And, as a byproduct, it’s actually for our parents who have never seen this, it’s for our grandparents who have never seen this. We’ve never had representation at this level.”
Jason Momoa: “I will not speak English.” Would not speak English at all.
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett: I took Kaina to dinner for an hour and a half. He never spoke any English. If he knew you had a Polynesian background — you didn’t even have to be Hawaiian, if he knew that you spoke Polynesian, he spoke to you in Hawaiian. And that was it. We figured it out, other people figured it out.
Jason Momoa: The real deal. The real deal. And he has so much presence.
What This Means For Chief of War’s Future
Chief of Warboasts impressive performances from everyone in the cast, especially Makua. The showrunner notes how Makua put his entire heart and soul into the project, and, because of his cultural background, he seems to be bringing a certain authenticity to the series as well.
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Chief of Waris receiving rave reviewsfrom both critics and audiences. The series currently holds a 92% fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as an 81% audience score. Based on the reception, it seems likely thatChief of Warwill come back for a second season.
Our Take On This Controversial Character In Chief Of War
It seems that Makua brings grace to a challenging character. He is arguably one of the very best aspects of the series, which features one of thebest TV battles of 2025, one that’s even on par with a particularGame of Thronesfight scene.
The fact that Makua was able to take on this role without much guidance is extremely impressive, to say the least. The show also features one of Jason Momoa’s best performances.
IfChief of Waris given a season 2, it would be delightful to see Makua return. Nevertheless, only time will tell if a season 2 is picked up, and if the breakout star will return.
Chief of War
Cast
Chief of War (2025) follows the journey of the fierce warrior Kaʻiana, who sets out on a mission to unite Hawaii’s four divided kingdoms amidst warfare. As internal conflicts rage, an impending external threat looms, challenging Kaʻiana’s efforts to bring peace to his people.
