Latest news with #ChiefOfWar

Bangkok Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
New releases for your streaming pleasure: July 30-Aug 5
Looking for a title to binge-watch this weekend? Here's our pick! APPLE TV+ Chief Of War Premieres on Aug 1 Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Jason Momoa, Chief of War follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai'i at the turn of the 18th century. Siblings Karl, Addy and Michael have a very special next-door neighbour: a wise panda named Stillwater. His friendship and stories give them new perspectives on the world, themselves and each other. HBO/HBO MAX Premieres on July 31 Babs, Buster and friends enrol at Acme Looniversity, the premier institution of higher hijinx learning. Final Destination Bloodlines Premieres on Aug 1 Plagued by a recurring violent nightmare, a college student returns home to find the one person who can break the cycle and save her family. Dog Man A 2025 American animated superhero comedy film based on Dav Pilkey's children's graphic novel series of the same name. FOOD NETWORK 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing: Season 2 Premieres on Aug 4 Chefs often describe their jobs as being 24/7; now, Michael Symon and Esther Choi put that to the test as 24 chefs face 24 challenges in 24 nonstop hours; the chefs take on eight shifts, each testing a different skill, for a chance to win US$50,000. NETFLIX Glass Heart Premieres on July 31 An aspiring drummer suddenly loses her spot in the band. But when a brilliant musician recruits her for his new band, her life takes a passionate turn. The Black Death During the great war between Ayutthaya and Hongsawadee, the great 'plague' is reported all over town. However, disaster strikes when the corpses of those who died from the plague come back to life. They rise up to bite and tear at the flesh and blood of everyone, turning them into creatures like themselves. The Stone Premieres on Aug 1 After discovering his ailing father's legendary amulet, a man is thrust into a dangerous world of criminals and collectors desperate to claim it. My Oxford Year Premieres on Aug 1 An ambitious American fulfilling her dream of studying at Oxford falls for a charming Brit hiding a secret that may upend her perfectly planned life. Call Me By Your Name Premieres on Aug 1 In the summer of 1983, 17-year-old Elio forms a life-changing bond with his father's charismatic research assistant Oliver in the Italian countryside. Beyond The Bar A young, rookie lawyer with a strong sense of justice joins a top law firm — navigating the complex legal world under a cold, demanding mentor. When a pair of clueless gym employees stumble on secret CIA documents, their clumsy attempts at blackmail land them in a dangerous world of trouble. Dan In Real Life
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
August 2025 TV preview: Alien: Earth, Peacemaker's return, and Long Story Short
August is shaping up to be a pretty big month in television for period dramas thanks to Apple TV+'s Chief Of War and a Starz's Outlander prequel. Meanwhile, Prime Video drops a spin-off of The Terminal List's and a new spy series starring Lost's Daniel Dae-Kim. And as far as big franchises, John Cena dons his Peacemaker helmet for the show's long-anticipated return, while, in MCU land, the world of Black Panther widens with a new animated saga. Plus, Netflix welcomes another original series from BoJack Horseman's Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and—in the biggest TV news of August—Noah Hawley presents Alien: Earth. Here is The A.V. Club's guide to what to watch on TV next month. Eyes Of Wakanda (Disney+, August 1) Created by Marvel storyboard artist Todd Harris, the animated series Eyes Of Wakanda expands the lore of Black Panther. Specifically, it focuses on Wakandan warriors called the Hatut Zarare, who carry out dangerous missions to retrieve vibranium artifacts. Not only do they travel the world for this, but they also move through various historical periods via the Sacred Timeline (including alternate realities and dimensions), as established in Doctor Strange: The Multiverse Of Madness. EOW is shown through the POV of Noni (Winnie Harlow), a disgraced Dora Milaje fighter, and the show's voice cast also includes Cress Williams and Steve Toussaint. [Saloni Gajjar] Chief Of War (Apple TV+, August 1) Jason Momoa and his Chief Of War co-creator, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett (Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom), cannot resist a major underwater moment, as evidenced by footage of the actor riding a shark in this show's trailer. The 19th-century set series, inspired by the rebellion against Hawai'i's unification, centers on a warrior's fight to stop Western colonization of the islands. Momoa and Sibbett, who also worked together on The Last Manhunt, wrote all nine episodes, and the Game Of Thrones alum directed the finale. Told mostly from the perspective of Indigenous characters, Chief Of War has an ensemble that features Temuera Morrison, Kaina Makua, and Te Ao o Hinepehinga. [Saloni Gajjar] King Of The Hill season 14 (Hulu, August 4) After rumors swirled in 2017 that Fox was interested in bringing back Mike Judge and Greg Daniels' animated favorite, the revival of the show is finally coming to Hulu. And you can definitely expect the titular Arlen, Texas, denizen to be thoroughly confused by all-gender restrooms, Uber ratings, and modern life in general: 'I don't know how to kick someone's ass over Zoom,' he proclaims in the trailer, 'but I'll figure it out.' [Tim Lowery] Outlander: Blood Of My Blood (Starz, August 8) It wouldn't be an Outlander spin-off if time travel weren't involved. This prequel tracks how Jamie Fraser's parents (portrayed by Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy) fell in love in 18th-century Scotland. It also charts the romance between Claire Beauchamp's mom and dad (played by Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine) during World War I in England. And, thanks to the ancient stone circles in the Highlands (the same ones that transported Claire back in time in the original's premiere), everyone's paths cross when the Beauchamps land up in 1714 Scotland. As a bonus, fans can look forward to seeing younger versions of Outlander faves like Murtagh Fraser (Rory Alexander) and Jocasta Mackenzie (Sadhbh Malin). [Saloni Gajjar] Alien: Earth (FX, August 12) Fargo's Noah Hawley takes over the Alien franchise with a cool-looking and -sounding prequel set two years before the events of Ridley Scott's original film. In 2120, the planet is being ruled by five mega corporations, with synths and Cyborgs co-existing. Enter the CEO of a tech company, who develops a hybrid: a synthetic robot with human consciousness named Wendy (Sydney Chandler). When a Weyland-Yutani spacecraft crash-lands in a crowded city with different alien species—not just the Xenomorphs!—onboard, Wendy and her newly formed team investigate and try to stop these creatures. Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Adarsh Gourav, and David Rysdahl round out the cast. [Saloni Gajjar] Butterfly (Prime Video, August 13) At the heart of Butterfly, an action-packed spy thriller, lies a family secret. The six episodes, based on the graphic novel of the same name, center on David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim), a skilled U.S. agent who has been presumed dead for the past couple of decades. Except he's very much alive—and reunites with his now-adult kid, Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), who trained to become a covert operative just like him. Father and daughter team up to bring down the agency that recruited them because Rebecca is being framed by them for a crime. And along the way, the duo attempts to repair their fractured relationship. [Saloni Gajjar] The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox (Hulu, August 20) Hulu reenacts another headline-grabbing case in this eight-episode limited series, which tells the tale—a very twisted one, some might say—of the American-exchange student who was locked up for murdering her roommate in Italy back in 2007. This Is Us scribe K.J. Steinberg created the show, which stars streamer regular Grace Van Patten, the great Sharon Horgan, John Hoogenakker, Francesco Acquaroli, and Giuseppe De Domenico. [Tim Lowery] Peacemaker season two (HBO Max, August 21) More than three years after its premiere, Peacemaker punches its way onto our screens again. In season two, mercenary vigilante Chris Smith (John Cena) and his A.R.G.U.S. pals—including Leota (Danielle Brooks) and Harcourt (Jennifer Holland)—battle a revenge-seeking Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). A big storyline features the pocket dimension introduced in James Gunn's Superman earlier this summer, which likely explains why Peacemaker meets his doppelgänger in the trailer (and could potentially bring Chukwudi Iwuji's Clemson Murn back into the fold). Expect appearances from Nathan Fillion and Isabela Merced, who play Justice Gang members Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl, as well as Sean Gunn reprising his brief movie role as DCU villain Maxwell Lord. Gunn wrote all eight installments and directed a couple of them as well. [Saloni Gajjar] Long Story Short (Netflix, August 22) Raphael Bob-Waksberg is back with his first Netflix show since the fantastic BoJack Horseman. The animated comedy Long Story Short chronicles the Schwooper siblings from (like Bob-Waksberg) Northern California, with the series bouncing between years and portraying their ups and downs as kids and adults. Paul Reiser, Lisa Edelstein, Max Greenfield, Michaela Dietz, and Ben Feldman lead the voice cast. This one can't arrive soon enough. [Tim Lowery] The Terminal List: Dark Wolf (Prime Video, August 27) Seven months after American Primeval, Taylor Kitsch returns to the small screen to star as CIA operative Ben Edwards in this prequel to The Terminal List. The new action drama delves into Edwards' backstory and reveals a dark past from his time as a Navy SEAL and special-intelligence agent. Co-created by David DiGilio and TTL author Jack Carr, this show also sees Chris Pratt reprising his role as Commander James Reece from the original. [Saloni Gajjar] More August premieres August 3 The Yogurt Shop Murders (HBO) August 6 Platonic season two (Apple TV+) Wednesday season two, part one (Netflix) August 7 Demascus (Tubi) Necaxa (FX) August 11 Irish Blood (Acorn TV) August 15 The Rainmaker (USA Network) August 21 Hostage (Netflix) August 22 Invasion season three (Apple TV+) August 25 Upload season four (Prime Video) August 26 My Life With The Walter Boys season two (Netflix) More from A.V. Club Podcast Canon: Thirst Aid Kit went deep on female desire What's on TV this week—Chief Of War and Eyes Of Wakanda Trump's Epstein flop sweat finally does Jon Stewart's job for him Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jason Momoa says 'Aquaman' was 'the biggest gamble of my life.' He cashed in those chips to make 'Chief of War.'
Wearing a malo for nine episodes was no problem for the Hawaiian actor. "I am not a big fan of wearing clothes," he tells Yahoo with a laugh. Jason Momoa hadn't always considered himself a betting man, but in 2014 he went all in on himself. By the time he was cast in the titular role of Aquaman, the superhero film had been in development, in one form or another, since 2004. Many in the industry had written it off. But Momoa knew the risk could be worth it. 'That was probably the biggest gamble of my life,' Momoa tells me over Zoom. The 2018 film shattered expectations and instantly made Momoa one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood. 'It went for the best,' he says. 'We were taking a character that was the laughingstock of comic books and trying to make something out of it. But after [it was released in theaters], it was the first time kids were coming up to me [in public] saying, 'Aquaman!' It changed everything.' Suddenly, Momoa was catapulted to a level of fame most actors only dream of. 'I put in the hard work,' he tells me. 'I proved myself.' For some stars, reaching superhero status means buying the dream house, the dream car — probably both. But for Momoa, it meant setting his sights on something bigger. After years of playing roles in other people's stories, he is finally telling his own: the story of his ancestors, which is the basis for his new television series, Chief of War. 'If someone were to ask me, 'What would you want to do?' This is it,' he tells me about his passion project, which premieres on AppleTV+ Aug. 1. 'I would like to tell the story of our people.' 'This is me, dumping my soul into this show' Momoa's heritage is a blend of his Hawaiian father's roots from Nanakuli and his mother's Midwestern upbringing in Norwalk, Iowa. But it's his connection to Hawaii, where he was born, in Honolulu, that shapes much of his identity and drives his passion for telling stories that honor his cultural background. Momoa's charm and humor are on full display as we chat for almost 30 minutes on a laid-back Zoom call. It's clear he's not just a hero onscreen but also a storyteller with a heart as big as his larger-than-life persona. Chief of War is his soul laid bare. The series is more than just a career milestone; it's the culmination of 27 years of hard work and passion and a deep commitment to sharing his culture's history with the world. 'Growing up, you see films like The Last of the Mohicans and The Last Samurai — stories that represent warriors, but we've never had that for our people. I wanted to make sure this was something that truly represented who we are," Momoa tells me. Chief of War is a nine-episode historical drama created by Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, who share native Hawaiian heritage. It's based on true events and follows warrior Ka'iana (played by Momoa) as he strives to unify the Hawaiian islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. Told from an Indigenous perspective, it features a predominantly Polynesian cast. As star, writer and executive producer, Momoa knew he had to walk a fine line as he balanced aligning historical significance with his creative vision, as well as creating a television show audiences will stream. After watching the whole season, it's hard not to draw comparisons between Chief of War and Game of Thrones, the Emmy-winning series that gave Momoa a huge career boost in 2011. Both are rooted in complex power struggles and rich cultures and have epic battle scenes. Momoa is quick to note one key difference, though. "[Game of Thrones is] a fantasy world," he says. "Obviously, there are many different things that match, but these are all historical things that happened" in Chief of War. The series features no dragons, but the battle scenes are just as intense. In it fans can see Momoa riding sharks and kicking a lot of ass. When I ask him if physically preparing for this warrior role felt different at age 45 than it did in his 30s when he was on Game of Thrones, he laughs. "Yes, it does," he says, mostly because back then, he did action scenes without stunt doubles. Momoa has been revisiting some of his old projects with his 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf, who's also interested in acting. As he shows the teen some of his past work, he is reminded of how physically demanding those roles were and how much his body paid the price. "We were watching some shit and I realized: You delete the pain," the actor says. "You forget about it, and then I watch all this stuff again, and I'm like, 'Oh, that's why I hurt. That's exactly why I f***ing hurt.'" Momoa says the challenge for Chief of War wasn't getting into physical shape. It was gearing up for the emotional endurance the project required. "You're overseeing the whole vision of everything, you're involved in every department, learning a language that you don't know, being responsible for your culture and making sure you get it all right. I was shitting my pants on many levels," he admits. Onscreen, Momoa is mostly pantsless. Making a show true to its cultural origins means male characters wear a malo, a traditional Hawaiian garment that consists of a simple wrap-around cloth. "It's really comfortable," Momoa says. "I'm not trying to attract any more attention to myself, but I actually don't mind wearing a malo. It gives you a lot of strength, a lot of power and makes you feel like a man. It's a really beautiful thing." When I ask Momoa if he had to mentally prepare for being shirtless for nine episodes, he chuckles. "I am not a big fan of wearing clothes," he says. "I'm fine walking around with a malo; it's just everybody else makes it awkward." During our conversation, Momoa's camera was off. It's then that he flips on his video, showing me he's bare-chested. "I'm in shorts, it's cool," he smiles, flashing his signature grin. "I figured I shouldn't be sitting here naked — we're doing an interview." "Hey, be free!" I reply. "In all honesty, you see more of me on the show than you do on this Zoom," he jokes. (It's true.) Manifesting a legacy Much like his physical presence onscreen, Chief of War allows Momoa to be unapologetically himself — not just in body, but in soul. The series is far more than a career milestone; it's a reflection of his heart. Every aspect of the show, from the casting to the costumes, is infused with his passion for telling an authentic. respectful story. His commitment to his heritage shines through, down to the tattoo on his head. "I had the aumakua put on my head for this role," he says. Momoa's aumakua, a kind of ancestral guardian in Hawaiian tradition, is shark teeth. He has the pattern tattooed on his arm as well. "We weren't even greenlit yet [by AppleTV+], but I put that on, willing it." For Momoa, getting the tattoo on his head — a permanent mark that connects him to his roots — was a powerful act of commitment. He's also dedicated to the roles he plays offscreen, especially dad. The actor's biggest motivation is his kids. Momoa has Nakoa-Wolf and a daughter, Lola, 17, with his now ex-wife, Lisa Bonet. "Right now they get to see their father doing what they love to do. I can't say that was true when they were first born. I was just trying to make it as an actor. But now, [I get to work on] things I've wanted to do my whole life. And I expect that out of them too. For them to live their dreams and fight for it — it's not easy, and they know that.' Like any actor, Momoa took roles early in his career that didn't always fuel his passion. Aquaman afforded him different opportunities. Momoa quickly became one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood, landing more roles in the DC Universe and other blockbuster franchises like Dune and Fast & Furious. This year, he starred as Garrett 'the Garbage Man' Garrison in A Minecraft Movie, which is close to passing the $1 billion mark at the global box office. He says it's 'pretty cute' how many kids come up to him now about a role other than Aquaman. 'I get 'Garbage Man' now, and it's the f***ing greatest thing in the world,' he says. There's a reason why it holds extra meaning. 'You're the only person I've ever told this to, but my father was a garbage man," he says. Momoa then describes how his dad, Joseph, would begin his route at 4 a.m. After finishing, Joseph would go home to sleep for a few hours, then spend the rest of the day painting. "When I was little, he would paint all night, then he'd do his garbage routine," Momoa says, reflecting on his father's unwavering passion for both his craft as an artist and his job. From a young age, Momoa absorbed the dedication required to pursue one's dreams, no matter the sacrifices. 'I'm like, f*** yeah! I am the garbage man," he says. "My dad was a garbage man. ... So many of these people are doing the job they have to do, to do what they love to do.' As Momoa reflects on his career, it's apparent that his success isn't just about accolades or box office numbers — it's about creating a life he can share with those he loves. 'At the end of the day, I'm doing everything in my power to make an impact, whether it be on- or offscreen,' he says. And with Chief of War, he has finally created something he can proudly call his own, a project that not only honors his past but also shapes the future for his children.


New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Chief of War,' and 7 More Shows to Watch on TV This Week
Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are airing or streaming this week, July 28-Aug 3. Details and times are subject to change. Fictionalized struggles. The unification of the Hawaiian islands that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s was defined by tribal warfare, political strife and fears of Western colonization. The new fictional drama, 'Chief of War,' takes a different approach than past retellings of the story — this time interpreting it through the lens of Polynesian people in a production made by people of Polynesian descent that uses their language. Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii and whose father was a native Hawaiian, stars as Ka'iana, a real-life warrior who has been both lauded and criticized by historians. Along with Ka'iana and his personal struggles, the show follows King Kamehameha (the first ruler and conqueror of Hawaii, played by Kaina Makua), who is driven by the mission to unify the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu and Kaua'i. The first two of nine episodes will air this week, with new episodes dropping weekly after the premiere. Streaming Friday on Apple TV+. Documented strife. On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeast Louisiana and, combined with subsequent flooding, caused 1,392 fatalities and $125 billion in damages, particularly to the New Orleans area. Almost 20 years later, the new documentary series 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' doesn't seek to provide any new or groundbreaking information; instead it serves as a reminder of all the lessons that can be learned about weather catastrophes for the future. Over five episodes, New Orleans residents, from the 9th Ward, Algiers and Tremé, tell the story of their experiences, minute by minute. Streaming Monday on Hulu and Disney+. In December 2000, Mike Williams went missing in Jackson County, Florida after participating in an early morning duck hunting trip. Initially police speculated that Williams had drowned and was eaten by alligators. Seventeen years later, Brian Winchester, who had eventually married Williams's widow, Denise, (they had been having an affair at the time) confessed to killing his best friend in an elaborate scheme the two had planned. The four-part documentary series 'Mr. & Mrs. Murder' explores the case. Streaming Wednesday on Hulu. The Birmingham City Football Club was founded in 1875 and has seen its share of changes throughout the years. 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues' embeds film crews with the team to follow the players, coaches, owners and Tom Brady, who has a minority stake. The documentary series follows the day-to-day operations of the British soccer team and examines its cultural significance to the city of Birmingham. Streaming Friday on Prime Video. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jason Momoa's Kids Lola and Nakoa-Wolf Are All Grown Up During Rare Red Carpet Outing
Jason Momoa rocked matching outfits with his kids at the world premiere of the Apple TV+ series Chief of War. Jason, 45, wore what looked to be traditional tribal garb alongside his all-grown-up daughter, Lola, 17, and son, Nakoa-Wolf, 16, at Ko Olina Beach Park in Kapolei, Hawaii, on Friday, July 18. The actor was all smiles as he rocked an all-black ensemble under a cape and bone necklace, carrying two bone daggers in his hands. Nakoa-Wolf wore a similar cape over a tank top and a neckpiece made of teeth, while Lola donned a brown dress with cutouts and a matching capelet. Jason shares his kids with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, whom he announced his separation from in 2022 after a 17-year relationship. They welcomed Lola in 2007 and Nakoa-Wolf in 2008 before officially tying the knot in 2017. Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet's Sweetest Quotes About Their Family: 'My Greatest Piece of Art' The Aquaman star said raising teens is different than caring for small children, as he feels a shift in their dynamic now that Lola and Nakoa-Wolf are in high school. 'I spent a lot of time with them when they were younger, which is super important. Then they traveled with me quite a bit. But now, going into high school, they've got their friends and stuff,' he told People in 2024. 'They still like me, which is good. I'm probably losing cool factor daily.' He added that he was hopeful his kids would visit him on set when they had a break from school. 'I'm dying to see my kids. I get to be Dad,' he said. 'I'm excited for them to get through high school, and then maybe they'll come out, and I'll just help them with their lives.' Also stepping out to support Jason at the premiere of Chief of War was his girlfriend, Adria Arjona, whom he began dating last year. The actress wore an orange gown with ruffle embellishments as she posed next to Jason on the carpet. 'Last night was sooo special!! I'm so proud of you mi amor @prideofgypsies ❤️❤️ what an honor to celebrate the heart and hard work everyone poured into this show, that honors Hawaii's history,' Arjona, 33, shared via Instagram on Saturday, July 20. 'Can't wait for the world to see Chief of War. Streaming August 1st on @appletv @ In June 2024, a source close to the actor told Us Weekly exclusively that Momoa was happy to finally hard launch the pair's relationship on Instagram last year. 'He couldn't wait any longer to tell the world. Jason is in love with Adria, and he definitely sees a future with her,' the insider said. 'Jason hasn't felt this way about somebody in a long time.' Jason Momoa and Girlfriend Adria Arjona Make Red Carpet Debut at 'SNL50' Homecoming Concert Jason and Arjona, made their first public appearance together at the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert in February. They also walked the carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May. "I love that I got to share such a special moment with my love and my forever favorite date @prideofgypsies ❤️," Arjona said of Jason in an Instagram post following their outing. Chief of War premieres August 1 on AppleTV+. Solve the daily Crossword