Jason Momoa’s New Apple TV+ Series Earns Rotten Tomatoes Score Equal to Game of Thrones

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As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about the latest series that could very well be the new “Game of Thrones.” Titled “Chief of War,” this captivating Apple TV+ production boasts Jason Momoa, a breakout star from “Game of Thrones,” in the lead role. Notably, it’s Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive 89% score according to their Tomatometer scale, which gauges critical reception.

While “Chief of War” departs from the fantasy realm of “Game of Thrones” and delves into historic Hawai‘i, it retains many elements that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon. These include intricate characters, competing kingdoms, and visually stunning scenes that leave you in awe.

In the late 1700s, the formal account of the role Chief of War encompasses: “The Hawaiian archipelago is engulfed in conflict among its four kingdoms; to halt more carnage, a powerful Hawaiian war leader embarks on a journey to unite his people, as they brace for an impending danger lurking near their coastlines.” The danger refers to the encroaching European colonization. Momoa played a significant role in creating the series and portrays the war leader Ka’iana. The first two episodes not only illuminate an often overlooked chapter of American history, but they also offer an exhilarating take on the epic genre of war stories.

In this new venture, the main character, or the War Leader, teams up with fellow actor Temuera Morrison once more. They’ve worked together in the past on Momoa’s series, Frontier, and also portrayed a father-son duo in the DC Extended Universe’s Aquaman franchise. In this instance, Morrison takes on the role of King Kahekili, a figure above Momoa’s Ka’iana.

Critics Praise Momoa’s Performance, Authenticity in Chief of War

In the case of a historically-rich series with many subtitles, reviews for the show titled “Chief of War” have generally been very favorable. Nina Metz from the Chicago Tribune stated that the show wouldn’t be as effective without Jason Momoa’s strong on-screen presence, who has referred to this project as his personal endeavor. Adam Davidson from The Wrap, on the other hand, believes that Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett have a unique, captivating concept with “Chief of War.

Kelly Lawler from USA Today notes that the series, predominantly filmed with a Polynesian cast and frequently presented in Hawaiian, offers an engaging and educational experience – a visually stunning yet violent account of history, making it one of the most captivating and gory lessons you’ll encounter this year.

It appears that some people find it challenging to follow the Hawaiian language used in the movie, which might be a hindrance for them. Despite receiving an impressive 89% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is significantly lower at 74%. The primary issue raised by viewers is the excessive use of subtitles.

“It’s just too hard on my eyes to read subtitles for the entire series,” wrote user Jeff V.

As the series progresses with the arrival of European colonizers, the subtitle problem might become less of an issue, making it more enjoyable for viewers who can persist. In other words, if you’re willing to stick with it, Chief of War appears to have enough potential to become the next major TV epic. Momoa’s stardom shines brightly and powerfully throughout the series, helping Chief of War overcome its early hurdles and potentially take flight.

At this moment, you can watch the initial two episodes of the series “Chief of War” on AppleTV+. Fresh installments will be available every week on the service until September 19th.

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2025-08-03 16:56