Game of Thrones' Jason Momoa developed 'unique bromance' with Chief of War's rising star

Chief of War star Jason Momoa developed a tight friendship with one of the rising talents of his epic historical drama set in Hawaii.

The brand new Apple TV+ series finally premiered this Friday (1st August) after the passion project took 10 years to bring to screens.

Based on the turbulent life of groundbreaking warrior Ka'iana, the series follows the native Hawaiian at the turn of the 19th Century while the Pacific Islands were beset with Western encroachment and their own brutal wars.

Rising New Zealand star Te Kohe Tuhaka portrays Ka'iana's brother Namake, another real-life figure who was instrumental in the unification conflict that led to the reign of the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Kamehameha I (played by Kaina Makua).

Speaking to Express Online, Tuhaka described the series as "brutal" and "beautiful" and hoped it creates "indigenous superheroes" for young Hawaiian viewers.

He also touched on his close bond with Game of Thrones and Aquaman icon Momoa, as well as fellow cast members Makua, Siua Ikaleo (Nahi) and Brandon Finn (Prince Kpule) developed through portraying brothers in blood and arms.

"These four hammers, I called them, we were all pretty close," he shared. "One [memory] I probably can't tell you, but we did manage to have a good time. We trained together a lot, we were in the gym a lot together. There was lots of laughing.

"Because it was so cold [during filming], I struggled a lot to feel Hawaiian in the middle of winter, but those three men, I would just pull them into me and I'd go 'I just need to feel your warmth and understanding so I can feel Hawaiian again'.

"The close-knit nature of the cast was very evident."

Tuhaka went on to describe Momoa as a "great leader" for the series, both as a leading man as well as the work he did behind the scenes as executive producer and co-writer with Thomas Paa Sibbett.

"I have a real bromance with Jason," he said. "We're pretty tight.

"And our friendship is pretty unique. But, I would say, as a craftsperson, as a producer, as a writer, as a director, he really went above and beyond to make sure one, we all felt safe and heard.

"And second to that allowed us the space, time and energy to deliver the performances without, kind of, putting any restraints on us."

Previously known for films The Dead Lands and Love and Monsters, Tuhaka's profile will no doubt rise even further after starring opposite an A-lister of Momoa's calibre.

Thankfully, the Hollywood star made sure the actor had ample opportunities to thrive during the numerous "firsts" he recalled having on set.

"I have a background in doing my own stunts, and Jason has the same thing but his version of that is, like, 1000 times bigger," he said.

"So, to be taken aside by him to best understand the lines to run, the movement of the weapon, that guidance so the level of the stunts and the fights are matching...

"We do have a few fights together where we're fighting as a duo. That, to me, was an eye-opening educational process as an actor. It was amazing."

Stay tuned for bromance, romance and more epic action sequences as this brilliantly captivating historical drama will return for new episodes each week.

Chief of War continues Fridays on Apple TV+.