Jason Momoa felt he got “approval from [his] ancestors” while filming Apple TV+ epicChief of War, which holds a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.Chief of Warfollows Momoa as theHawaiian historical figure Ka’ianaduring the attempted unification of Hawaii in the early 1800s. The series has been praised for its history, action, dynamic characters, and stellar performances.
In an interview withScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier,Momoa and series co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett explained how they witnessed the eruption of Mauna Loa while filmingChief of War. Momoa, who also co-created the series, explained how they experienced it on Pokai Bay, his childhood beach, making it feel like the series had ancestral approval. Check out their statements below:
ScreenRant:The eruption of Mauna Loa during filming was powerful and symbolic. How did moments like that influence the energy of the shoot, and how did you feel like it was the land responding to the story that you were telling?
Jason Momoa:I really thought we were getting approval from our ancestors. I really looked out, I know we were both looking for signs, and also just wanting to know that we’re on the right path. And moments like that, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, to go off at the same time is pretty special. And then, being blessed by rain in the beginning and the end, and even today, where I grew up, the beach that I grew up with the most was Pokai Bay. That’s where I learned how to surf in Mākaha. But Pokai Bay, where my dad is a paddling coach, literally the sand has washed away and moved back. And the petroglyphs have just exposed themselves. It’s just in the news today, on the day that we’re doing a premiere. I’ve never seen that in my life, but they’ll all wash back and it’s engraved, massive petroglyphs are at Pokai Bay. If you go down there right now, they’re seeing the wonders of it. And I’m like, “On the day we’re going to go do this.” And not to just go like, “Oh, that’s about us, blah, blah, blah.” But I’m like, “Well, that’s not f—-ng happened in a long time.”
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett:Well, I will say this. We had so many what we call Hōʻailona, omens or manifestations that present themselves. We had that all the time. And so for something like this to happen, I would never say-
Jason Momoa:At my childhood beach where I was blessed.
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett:Yeah, I would never say that we caused that. But what I’m saying is we’re doing the right thing at the right time to be able to be a part of an energy shift. Let us start talking about that. I think we, as a society, are in a place where we’re in a place of healing. So, let’s have honest dialogue. The story is about the conflict and the clashing of two different cultures, we can discuss the good and the bad that comes with that, and we’ll be frank. There’s a lot of good that comes from it. So let’s start the dialogue, let’s remember the stories, themes is really about that. And specifically Hawaii. So, we can start talking about updating the evolution of tourism, how we communicate with each other. Let this be a visual representation for people to understand how Hawaiians see themselves. And then, if we start from that place, I know you, you know me, let’s talk about what we can do now.
Momoa previously worked with Apple TV+ when starring in the sci-fi TV showSee.
What The Eruption Of Mauna Loa Meant For Chief Of War’s Production
Momoa and Sibbett set out to create a TV show that reflected Hawaiian history, with thetrue story ofChief of Waracting as a basis for everything they crafted. This included the pair working with Doug Jung to write most of the series, with Momoa himself serving as director on the final episode. The show was carefully, respectfully produced.
Given how meaningful the eruption of Mauna Loa was for both Momoa and Sibbett,it’s clear they felt it was a symbolic and meaningful event to happen during production. Their statements also illustrate just how much care was put into the TV show, with accuracy respecting the cultural elements they’re bringing to the small screen in big ways.
Luckily, sincereviews forChief of Warhave been so strong, it seems likethey’ve succeeded at creating a story that accurately portrays Hawaii’s history, while also being an entertaining series thanks to its story and characters. Mauna Loa’s eruption really was a meaningful symbol that’s reflected in how much of a success the series has become after premiering.
Our Take On Momoa & Sibbett’s Statement About Mauna Loa’s Eruption
The eruption of Mauna Loa was an important part of the show’s filming, with the deeper meaning behind it resonating with both Momoa and Sibbett. It also sounds like it made their approach to the show much easier, especially given the care they were already putting into making it as accurate and exciting to watch unfold as possible.
Now thatChief of Warhas aired its first two episodes on Apple TV+ and received resoundingly positive reviews, the show is bound to continue its positive streak as the weeks progress. With both Momoa and Sibbett having put so much time and energy into the show, it seems like their efforts have already been worthwhile - and approved of.
