Jason Momoa’s Chief of War is getting a new way for fans to experience its first season. The historical drama, which originally premiered on Apple TV+ in 2025, is officially scheduled to arrive on Blu-ray on November 17, 2026, giving the Jason Momoa-led series a physical-media release after its streaming debut. Current release listings identify the Blu-ray as a three-disc release from Paramount.
The release is notable because Chief of War is more than another historical action series built around a recognizable Hollywood star. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the nine-episode drama tells the story of Hawai‘i’s unification and colonization from an Indigenous perspective. Momoa stars as Kaʻiana, a warrior caught in the political and military struggles surrounding the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century. Apple describes the series as an epic account of Hawai‘i’s history led by a predominantly Polynesian cast.
For viewers who watched Chief of War on Apple TV+, the Blu-ray gives the series a second life outside the streaming ecosystem. For anyone who missed it the first time around, the upcoming release is also a chance to discover one of Momoa’s more personal projects.
Chief of War Blu-ray Release Date Is Set for November 17, 2026
The Chief of War Blu-ray release date is November 17, 2026. Current listings identify the release as a Paramount Blu-ray with UPC 0843501684924 and three discs.
The timing comes more than a year after the series first premiered on Apple TV+. Chief of War debuted on August 1, 2025, with Apple releasing its first two episodes together before continuing with weekly episodes through September 19.
The physical release gives the historical drama an opportunity to reach viewers who prefer owning television series rather than relying exclusively on streaming availability.
At the time of writing, the available release listings confirm the Blu-ray date and format, although detailed information about the disc’s special features and technical presentation should be checked against the final packaging or distributor announcement when those details are published.
What Is Chief of War About?
Chief of War follows Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, during a period of major political upheaval in Hawai‘i.
The story is set around the late-18th-century struggle to unify the Hawaiian Islands before Western colonization. Kaʻiana is a warrior drawn into the conflict as competing kingdoms and leaders fight over the future of Hawai‘i. Apple describes the series as a story of the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i told from an Indigenous point of view.
That historical setting gives the series a very different identity from many of Momoa’s better-known action roles. While the actor is associated with characters such as Aquaman and Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones, Chief of War puts him in a story rooted in Hawaiian history and cultural identity.
The result is a drama where political alliances, family relationships, warfare and questions of leadership are just as important as the action.
Jason Momoa Leads Chief of War as Kaʻiana
Jason Momoa plays Kaʻiana, the warrior at the center of the story.
Apple’s official description identifies Kaʻiana as a fearless warrior whose mission is tied to unifying his homeland while a major power struggle develops among the four kingdoms.
Momoa is also deeply involved behind the camera. He co-created the series with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, while also serving as a writer and executive producer. He directed the season finale as well.
That involvement makes Chief of War an especially significant project within Momoa’s recent television work. He is not simply the recognizable face placed at the center of a historical drama; he is one of the people responsible for shaping the series.
Chief of War Has a Predominantly Polynesian Cast
One of the defining aspects of Chief of War is its predominantly Polynesian ensemble.
Apple’s official press material highlights a cast led by Momoa alongside Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
The Apple TV listing also identifies several of the principal characters, including Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu, Morrison as King Kahekili, and Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha.
That casting approach is an important part of the series’ creative identity. Rather than using a predominantly Hollywood ensemble to tell a Hawaiian historical story, the production built its central cast around Polynesian performers.
Luciane Buchanan Plays Kaʻahumanu
Luciane Buchanan plays Kaʻahumanu, one of the major characters in Chief of War.
Apple lists Buchanan among the show’s principal cast and identifies her character as Kaʻahumanu.
Her storyline intersects with the political changes taking place throughout the series, particularly as the struggle for power among the Hawaiian kingdoms develops.
Buchanan’s presence is another important part of the ensemble surrounding Momoa’s Kaʻiana, ensuring the show is not structured solely around its leading star.
Temuera Morrison Plays King Kahekili
Temuera Morrison plays King Kahekili, another significant figure in the series’ political landscape.
Morrison is a familiar face to audiences around the world, but Chief of War gives him a role deeply connected to the Hawaiian setting and the series’ historical narrative. Apple identifies him as King Kahekili in its official cast listing.
The character is introduced early in the story, with Apple describing Kaʻiana as being summoned back to Maui and forced to decide whether he will join King Kahekili in war.
That decision helps establish the political and military stakes that drive the opening episodes.
Kaina Makua Plays King Kamehameha
Kaina Makua plays King Kamehameha, another central historical figure in Chief of War.
Kamehameha’s rise is closely connected to the larger story of Hawaiian unification. Apple lists Makua among the principal cast and identifies him as King Kamehameha.
The series therefore places several historically significant figures around Kaʻiana, allowing the story to explore the broader political forces behind the eventual unification of Hawai‘i.
Chief of War Season 1 Has Nine Episodes
The first season of Chief of War consists of nine episodes. Apple announced that the series would premiere with two episodes on August 1, 2025, followed by a new episode each Friday through September 19.
The episode structure gives the series enough room to move beyond a single military campaign. Its story develops across different locations and political relationships as Kaʻiana becomes increasingly involved in the struggle surrounding Kamehameha and the competing Hawaiian kingdoms.
Apple’s episode listings include titles such as “The Chief of War,” “Changing Tides,” “City of Flowers,” “The Race of the Gods,” and “The Splintered Paddle.”
For a historical drama, that longer format is important because the series has to establish characters, political alliances and cultural context alongside its action.
Jason Momoa Directed the Chief of War Finale
Momoa’s involvement with Chief of War extends into directing.
Justin Chon directed the first two episodes, while Momoa directed the season finale. Apple also lists Anders Engström and other directors among the show’s creative team.
That gives Momoa a directorial role in the project’s overall storytelling in addition to his work as its star, writer and executive producer.
It also reflects the personal nature of the project. Apple has described Chief of War as a passion project for Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, who share Native Hawaiian heritage.
Chief of War Was Made With a Strong Cultural Focus
The series’ approach to Hawaiian history is central to its identity.
Apple describes Chief of War as being told from an Indigenous perspective and emphasizes its predominantly Polynesian cast.
That distinction matters because the series is dealing with a period of Hawaiian history that involves political consolidation, warfare and the eventual arrival and influence of Western powers.
Rather than presenting the story simply as a conventional warrior epic, the series places its characters and conflicts within the history of the Hawaiian Islands. That perspective is one of the reasons the project has stood apart from more familiar historical action dramas.
Is Chief of War Based on a True Story?
Yes. Chief of War is based on true events, although it is presented as a dramatic television series rather than a documentary.
Apple’s official production material states that the nine-episode drama follows Kaʻiana’s attempt to help unify the Hawaiian Islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century.
That means viewers should distinguish between the historical setting and the dramatic storytelling used to bring that history to television. The series uses real historical figures and events as its foundation while constructing a serialized narrative around its characters.
For readers interested in the history behind the show, the distinction is worth keeping in mind when comparing the drama with historical records.
Where Can You Watch Chief of War?
Chief of War is available to watch on Apple TV. Apple’s current listing identifies the series as a 2025 drama and action title starring Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan and Temuera Morrison.
The complete first season is available through the Apple TV service, while the upcoming Blu-ray release will provide a physical-media alternative.
For viewers discovering the show because of its upcoming disc release, streaming the first season before buying the Blu-ray can also provide a useful introduction to the characters and story.
Will There Be Chief of War Season 2?
The future of Chief of War Season 2 remains separate from the Blu-ray announcement.
The supplied report notes that Apple had not officially confirmed a second-season renewal at the time of publication. That distinction is important: the upcoming physical release does not itself confirm another season.
The first season was conceived around a limited-series framework, while Momoa has indicated that the story has additional possibilities. Until Apple makes an official announcement, however, viewers should treat any discussion of Season 2 as unconfirmed.
Why the Chief of War Blu-ray Release Matters
The Chief of War Blu-ray release gives the series another opportunity to find an audience beyond its original streaming run.
Physical releases remain particularly relevant for viewers who collect television series, prefer permanent access to their favorite shows, or want to revisit a production without depending entirely on a streaming catalog.
In this case, the release also gives Chief of War a chance to remain visible as a historical drama rather than simply becoming another title in a large streaming library.
With Jason Momoa at the center, a predominantly Polynesian cast and a story focused on the history of Hawai‘i, the series has a clear identity that goes beyond its action sequences.
Chief of War Blu-ray Release: What We Know
The important details surrounding the physical release are straightforward:
Title: Chief of War
Format: Blu-ray
Release date: November 17, 2026
Distributor/label listed: Paramount
Disc count: Three discs
Original streaming home: Apple TV
Original premiere: August 1, 2025
Season 1: Nine episodes
Lead star: Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana
Detailed information about the Blu-ray’s bonus features and technical specifications should be confirmed from the final distributor packaging or official release materials as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chief of War
1. When is the Chief of War Blu-ray release date?
The Chief of War Blu-ray is scheduled for November 17, 2026. Current listings identify it as a Paramount three-disc Blu-ray release.
2. Who plays Kaʻiana in Chief of War?
Jason Momoa plays Kaʻiana, the warrior at the center of the historical drama. Apple describes him as a warrior working toward the unification of his homeland during a major power struggle.
3. How many episodes are in Chief of War Season 1?
Chief of War Season 1 has nine episodes. Apple released the first two episodes on August 1, 2025, followed by weekly episodes through September 19.
4. Is Chief of War based on a true story?
Yes. The series is based on true events and dramatizes the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i during the late 18th century from an Indigenous perspective.
5. Who is in the Chief of War cast?
The cast includes Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka, among others.
6. Where can I watch Chief of War?
Chief of War is available through Apple TV, where the first season is listed with Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan and Temuera Morrison in the principal cast.
7. Is Chief of War Season 2 confirmed?
The Blu-ray release does not confirm a second season. Any future renewal should be treated as unconfirmed until Apple TV officially announces it.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Chief of War Blu-ray release arrives at an interesting point for Jason Momoa’s historical drama. More than a year after its Apple TV+ premiere, the series is moving into physical media with a November 17, 2026 release.
For Momoa, the project represents a particularly personal piece of work, combining his starring role as Kaʻiana with his work as a co-creator, writer and executive producer. For viewers, the series offers a dramatic interpretation of Hawaiian history built around a predominantly Polynesian cast and an Indigenous perspective.
The Blu-ray will not replace the importance of the series’ original Apple TV+ run, but it does give Chief of War another format in which its story can live on. With its historical setting, cultural focus and Momoa’s involvement both in front of and behind the camera, it remains one of the actor’s more distinctive recent television projects.
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