Latest news with #ChiefofWar
Tom's Guide
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
New on Apple TV Plus in August 2025 — all the shows and movies to watch
Summer is just flying by, and a new month is almost here. That means Apple TV Plus (along with the rest of the best streaming services) is rolling out a new selection of movies and TV shows to celebrate the beginning of August. This month brings several high-profile returning favorites to the streamer, like the explosive third season of sci-fi drama "Invasion" and the beloved comedy series "Platonic" starring two of Hollywood's most likable comedic talents, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. That being said, there's also an epic new historical drama starring Jason Momoa that looks like a must-watch for fans of "Game of Thrones" and Shogun." Whether you're looking for family-friendly entertainment or want to put on something made strictly for adults, Apple TV Plus has plenty of options arriving this month. You can find more info about all the new Apple TV Plus releases coming your way in August 2025 below. Billed as a "passion project" for co-creators Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett (who share native Hawaiian heritage), "Chief of War" tells the real-life-inspired story of Hawaii's unification on the cusp of the 19th century, during a period of looming colonization. It promises to be an epic historical drama that sheds light on a chapter of history often overlooked by Western media. Told from an indigenous perspective, the series centers on Kaʻiana (Momoa), a fierce warrior and noble, who returns home only to get swept into a brutal campaign to unite the islands against the foreign threat. The cast is predominantly Polynesian, and much of the dialogue is in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, lending the show a level of cultural authenticity rarely seen in historical dramas. Following its two-episode premiere on August 1, "Chief of War' will release every Friday through September 19. Watch on Apple TV Plus from August 1 Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Stillwater," Apple's animated series based on children's author Jon J. Muth's acclaimed "Zen" books, is back to teach kids more important lessons about mindfulness. Each episode blends everyday childhood challenges with mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and calm storytelling — an approach that has earned the series both a Peabody and a Daytime Emmy Award. "Stillwater" follows the titular wise panda (voiced by James Sie), who teaches three young siblings, Addy (Eva Ariel Binder), Michael (Tucker Chandler), and Karl (Judah Mackey), how to navigate everyday challenges and better understand their emotions. Through his example, stories, and gentle humor, Stillwater offers children tools to grow with empathy and resilience. Watch on Apple TV Plus from August 1 "Platonic's" first season earned this hit character-driven comedy a spot on our best Apple TV Plus shows list. Season 2 promises more laugh-out-loud moments with two of Hollywood's most effortlessly charming comedic talents, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. It follows two long-estranged besties, Sylvia (Byrne) and Will (Rogen), who reconnect over their shared midlife crises — much to the discomfort of everyone around them. After his messy divorce in season 1, Will enters a new relationship that threatens to throw the duo's already-fragile dynamic off balance. Determined not to let their friendship derail this time, they attempt to reel in their chaos and start doing more "normal" adult activities. Of course, for these two codependent idiots, that's easier said than done. Watch on Apple TV Plus from August 6 Apple's expansive sci-fi drama "Invasion" returns for season 3 this month, and war has officially arrived. It's all been leading up to this. Previous seasons showed an alien invasion unfold through the perspectives of ordinary people across the globe, each scrambling to survive as society unravels. In season 3, those perspectives collide for the first time as full-scale war erupts. Humanity's only hope to repel the alien threat is if everyone comes together. The international cast of characters we've met thus far pool their expertise to unite as an elite incursion unit on a high-stakes mission to infiltrate the looming alien mothership. As new bonds are formed and relationships tested, the survivors must learn to work as a team before time runs out or humanity's doomed. Watch on Apple TV Plus from August 22 Another show for the little ones, the award-winning"Shape Island" returns with more imaginative adventures in season 2. Based on the beloved books "Shapes" picture book trilogy by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, this stop-motion animated series follows the aptly named Square, Triangle, and Circle. The trio embarks on adventures, solves puzzles, and builds their friendship — all while learning to understand and appreciate each other's differences. Because, as we all know, friendship comes in every shape and size. Season two features the returning voices of Yvette Nicole Brown ('Frog and Toad') as the narrator, Harvey Guillén ('Puss in Boots: The Last Wish') as Square, Scott Adsit ('Big Hero 6') as Triangle, and Gideon Adlon ('Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths') as Circle. Watch on Apple TV Plus from August 29 Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Jason Momoa's life from romance with Star Wars icon to horror attack behind facial scar
Game of Thrones and Aquaman star Jason Momoa is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, but away from the cameras he's had a number of fascinating life experiences Jason Momoa's latest series, Chief of War, is a must-see historical saga for fans of the Game of Thrones actor. From his early roles in shows like Baywatch and Stargate Atlantis, the Hawaiian-American actor has successfully transitioned from the small screen to the big screen, portraying a range of characters from superheroes and villains to warriors of the future. After memorable performances as Aquaman and Duncan Idaho in Dune, this year he's taken on two very different projects - the video game phenomenon A Minecraft Movie and a passion project he's been developing for the past decade. Chief of War sees the popular action star step into the shoes of real-life Hawaiian warrior Kaʻiana, who played a pivotal role in Pacific Island history at the turn of the 19th Century. With an enthralling nine-part series based on Kaʻiana's life set to premiere on Apple TV+ later this week, let's delve into Momoa's life off-screen, reports the Mirror US. Jason Momoa's romantic history Momoa's known romantic history kicked off with a relationship with his Baywatch: Hawaii co-star Simmone Jade Mackinnon. The couple stayed together for six years, got engaged in 2004, but Momoa ended it when he started dating actress Lisa Bonet the following year. Contrary to reports that Momoa and Bonet wed in 2007, their actual marriage didn't take place until a decade later, in October 2017. The pair welcomed two children together; daughter Lola Iolani arrived in July 2007, whilst son Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha followed in December 2008. Nakoa-Wolf has recently secured a role in the forthcoming Dune: Part III, mirroring his father's career path after Momoa starred in the original film. Bonet initiated divorce proceedings against Momoa in January 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The star is currently dating Andor actress Adria Arjona. Facial scar Beyond his flowing locks, facial hair and imposing physique, Momoa is instantly recognisable due to a prominent scar cutting across his left eyebrow. He's disclosed that he suffered the wound when an individual assaulted him with a pint glass, resulting in an extraordinary 140 stitches during treatment. Fortunately, he's made peace with the mark, even hinting during a chat with Marilyn Denis that it might have boosted his acting prospects. Following the assault, his debut audition was for the legendary part of Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones' inaugural series, catapulting him to stardom. He remembered: "It was one of those bad moments in your life and it turned lemons into lemonade, right?" Meeting Ozzy Osbourne Admirers of the iconic Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, who tragically passed away aged 76 last week, might have been taken aback whilst watching his Back to the Beginning farewell gig in Birmingham on 5th July. The programme was presented by Momoa, who was subsequently spotted headbanging alongside supporters during a performance by fellow metal act Pantera. The Chief of War actor is renowned as a massive heavy metal enthusiast and reveals he frequently shapes his roles around rock tracks. He informed MetalSucks, for instance, that Aquaman was inspired by Tool, Metallica and Black Sabbath. Meeting one of his boyhood heroes, Momoa encountered Ozzy and his spouse Sharon Osbourne behind the scenes prior to his farewell performance and posted a photograph of their encounter as a memorial following his passing. He posted on Instagram: "Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP."
Bangkok Post
9 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
ABC News
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Chief of War cast hope new series is a 'jumping off point' for audiences to learn about the real Hawai'i
Spoken almost entirely in Ōlelo Hawai'i and telling a story of Hawaiian culture, language and history, Chief of War was a first from the moment the script was written. The Apple TV+ drama is set in the late 18th century and is based on true events following warrior Ka'iana as he tries to unify Hawai'i's four major kingdoms before Western colonisation. It is told from an indigenous perspective and features Jason Momoa, Moses Goods, Kaina Makua, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Luciane Buchanan, and Te Ao O Hinepinga. Momoa, who also produced and co-wrote the series, said he was "really excited for everybody" to see it. "Hopefully [people] embrace it so we can finish telling the story and let the next generation… hopefully it excites them to kick down the door and tell even more, and raise the bar," he said. Co-creator, executive producer, writer and Kanaka Maoli Thomas Pa'a Sibbett said the series was "more than just a film" for him and Momoa. "This is our cultural background; it's our heritage; it's the faces of our people," he said. "I think because of that, there's always a search for representation, like where are we? "So for us, it just became something that we just wanted to see, we wanted to experience and let the world experience a little bit of how we see ourselves." Jason first noticed Temuera Morrison in his role played in Once Were Warriors. ( Supplied: Apple TV+ ) The significance isn't lost on Kanaka Maoli cast members Goods and Makua. Goods said his people had been waiting for Hawaiian storytelling for a long time. "We knew it would happen; that a story like this will be told on this level and showcase the language in the way that it does. "It's a jumping off point. It's a starting point for a lot of people to then further their understanding and education of what, of who we are as people." The use of Ōlelo Hawai'i is also significant in that; a dramatic turnaround from previous generations. Goods said it was almost lost in his mother's generation. "As a little girl, she was forbidden by her own parents to speak our language. They tried to get rid of our language but didn't succeed," he said. "Now it's being showcased to the entire world, and they're going to see that our language, our culture, is very much alive and well." Momoa hopes Chief of War raises the bar in Hawaiian story telling. ( Supplied: Apple TV+ ) Morrison said he was humbled to share the journey with the show's creators and other actors. "It's something quite significant, something quite monumental, we're bringing Hawaiian language to the fore," he said. Curtis agreed, saying indigenous cultural storytelling was vital because "to a large degree [they've] been erased from history". "But we're still alive, we're still here. Thousands of years later, we can connect our Māori heritage with the Hawaiian heritage," he said. "We're all struggling with the same things, are we? Even today, geopolitically, nations in the world are struggling with the idea of colonisers, oppression. How do we find our boundaries as a nation? "Should we have a right to exist as indigenous cultures? Or should we be homogenised, and have our language stripped from us and only speak one language? I mean, these are the great struggles of us in contemporary times."
Yahoo
20 hours 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.
