Jason Momoa Premieres Chief of War in Hawaii, 27 Years After Baywatch Debut
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Jason Momoa, renowned for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman, recently shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about the premiere of his new series, Chief of War, in his native Hawaii. This event holds special significance for Momoa as it marks 27 years since his debut at the age of 19 in Baywatch: Hawaii, adding a sentimental touch to the occasion.
Reflecting on the experience, Momoa expressed a profound sense of destiny surrounding Chief of War, describing it as a calling that has bestowed upon him a unique purpose. He remarked, “I feel like this whole thing has chosen me in a way, like this is my destiny,” highlighting the deep connection he feels to portraying his ancestors in this historical drama set in 18th century Hawaii.
The premiere of Chief of War on July 18th in Hawaii held even more significance for Momoa as he received a powerful sign on the day of the event that reaffirmed his alignment with the project. Sharing this moment, Momoa revealed, “Just this morning, the sand pulled back and revealed massive petroglyphs right in the place where I grew up. It’s kind of insane. I’ve never experienced that before, it’s just amazing.”
Co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett echoed Momoa’s sentiments, emphasising the energy and cultural resonance that permeated the filming locations in Hawaii and Aotearoa New Zealand. Sibbett reflected on the importance of the narrative in Chief of War, which delves into the clash of cultures and the complexities of understanding and learning from historical stories.
In a testament to his multifaceted talents, Momoa not only stars in Chief of War but also serves as an executive producer and directs the finale episode. Embracing his diverse roles in the project, Momoa expressed his comfort in navigating the creative chaos, stating, “I kind of thrive in chaos. If I’m just acting, you’ll also catch me playing music… I enjoy having many things happening, and I love being responsible for making the choices and having the vision.”
Beyond his professional endeavours, Momoa’s personal life also intertwines with the essence of Chief of War, with his children Lola and Nakoa-Wolf engaging in cultural activities on the ocean with their grandfather in Hawaii. This familial bond adds an extra layer of significance to Momoa’s portrayal of historical figures in the series, reinforcing the deeply personal nature of the project.
Looking ahead, Momoa expressed his hopes for a second season of Chief of War, eager to continue the narrative and delve further into the rich historical tapestry of Hawaii. With the series premiering on Apple TV+ on August 1st, Momoa remains grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life and looks forward to the audience’s response in shaping the future of the show.
In conclusion, Momoa’s journey from his early Baywatch days to the premiere of Chief of War in his native Hawaii serves as a testament to his growth as an actor and storyteller. With a deep sense of purpose and connection to his heritage, Momoa’s portrayal of ancestral figures in Chief of War reflects a nuanced exploration of culture and history that resonates with audiences worldwide.