What’s Happening with Jason Momoa’s Chief of War? The Mysterious Delay Explained!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Jason Momoa’s highly anticipated historical drama Chief of War has been generating buzz ever since it was announced nearly three years ago, but fans are still left waiting for a release date. Despite filming being completed over two years ago, the Apple TV+ series, co-created by Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, has yet to hit the streaming platform. So, what’s behind the delay?
The limited series, which explores the union and colonization of the Hawaiian Islands through a Native Hawaiian perspective, was confirmed in 2022, with Momoa starring alongside an impressive cast that includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, and Brandon Finn. The show’s focus on Hawaiian history, with Momoa’s personal connection to the culture as a Native Hawaiian, has built significant excitement.
Filming began in October 2022, and with much of the production likely completed, Chief of War has entered the post-production phase. This is where the ambiguity begins—though the series has been shot, no official release date has been provided, and Apple TV+ has not offered any updates on a premiere window. It seems that the post-production process, including editing, visual effects, and possibly additional adjustments, has contributed to the lengthy delay.
Chief of War is being positioned as a major contender for Apple TV+’s library, which has recently seen a slew of successes like Shōgun and Momoa’s own previous series See, which ran for three seasons. With a strong cast and a storyline that blends historical drama with personal significance for Momoa, it seems that the project is one Apple TV+ wants to get right. Momoa’s involvement as an executive producer, along with the addition of seasoned filmmakers like Sibbett, who worked on Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, further elevates expectations.
However, the delay raises questions. Why has Chief of War been held back despite filming being wrapped up for some time? The lack of any footage or trailers suggests that a premiere date may be some time away. It’s possible that Apple TV+ is carefully planning its release strategy, perhaps positioning the series alongside other high-profile projects or waiting for the right moment to unveil a major campaign.
As of now, it’s unclear when fans will get their first look at the series, but with Momoa’s impressive portfolio of projects—such as his roles in Aquaman, Dune, and Fast X—it’s likely that Chief of War will eventually make its way to the platform. Whether or not it will meet the sky-high expectations remains to be seen, but with a dedicated fanbase and a strong creative team behind it, the historical drama is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Fans are hoping that the wait will soon come to an end, with an official release date announcement expected to follow as the series nears its debut. Until then, Chief of War remains one of the most intriguing upcoming releases in the world of television.