Jason Momoa Recalls "Excruciating Pain" Filming Brutal 'Chief of War' Death Scene

Jason Momoa's Emotional Response to a Brutal Death in 'Chief of War'

Jason Momoa, co-creator and star of Apple TV+'s historical drama 'Chief of War', revealed the intense emotional impact of filming a particularly brutal death scene in the show's penultimate episode, "The Sacred Niu Grove." The scene involves the death of the character Nahi, played by Siua Ikale'o, which deeply affected Momoa and the crew.

The Gut-Wrenching Scene

Momoa described the experience as deeply personal, stating, "Even talking about it now is making me emotional. The sounds that are coming out of my body, I haven’t heard before. I’ve never experienced that. I didn’t have to act any of that. I’m really going through the horrors of that [trauma]." The episode, co-written by Momoa, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, and Doug Jung, and directed by Brian Andrew Mendoza, sees Momoa’s character, Ka’iana, endure a series of tragic events, culminating in the death of his younger brother, Nahi.

Nahi's Sacrifice and Impact

Nahi's death, orchestrated by King Keōua, played by Cliff Curtis, serves as a catalyst for Ka'iana's revenge in the season finale. Sibbett explained the narrative decision, noting, "It was also one of the areas that I veered away from history a little bit. Nahi didn’t die this way, but I knew for story [purposes], it was going to create the maximum amount of emotional impact that we need to carry us into the finale and then hopefully give us that draw for a season two. We needed the family to lose something significant." The crew's reaction to the script was intense, even sparking a short-lived "#SaveNahi" campaign.

The Actor's Perspective

Siua Ikale'o, who portrayed Nahi, understood the significance of his character’s death. "I had to check my ego and prioritize the message. Some of these deaths in major shows really, really get you. So I thought about it, like, ‘Okay, my job now is to serve that purpose of that scene,’ and I had made my peace with it before I signed on to this show.” He described Nahi as a loyal follower of Ka'iana and a protector of their ohana (family).

Behind the Scenes: Burial Rituals

Momoa, an avid rock climber, incorporated a traditional chief burial into the scene, where Ka’iana climbs a cliff to hide his brother’s remains. “Brian found the right places where we could climb up and do what is traditionally what you would do,” Momoa explained. “You’d take his bones, clean his bones, wrap them up in tapa and hide them. And the person who took it up there wouldn’t come back either because it would [have to] be a secret.” The emotional toll of the scene was immense for Momoa, who described it as "the worst place I’ve ever been in my life as an actor."

The Finale and Future Seasons

The finale, co-written and directed by Momoa, will see Ka’iana confront Keōua, played by Temuera Morrison. Momoa promises a powerful resolution, stating, "The finale was a dream for me to be able to do. I was very, very specific on how I wanted to shoot it." While the show was initially billed as a limited series, Momoa is optimistic about future seasons, emphasizing the richness and scale of the story.

Episode 8 Recap: Betrayal and Sacrifice

Episode 8 of 'Chief of War' showcases the consequences of ignoring wise counsel. Ka’iana and Ka’ahumanu, played by Luciane Buchanan, are sidelined despite their accurate warnings about European settlers. This leads Ka’iana to consider fleeing with his family. The episode culminates in the tragic death of Nahi, who is brutally murdered by Keōua after defending Heke (Mainei Kinimaka). Heke suffers a sexual assault, sending a "message of war," and is left deeply despondent.

Women's Influence and Cultural Dynamics

Despite the title, the women of 'Chief of War' exert significant influence. Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga) convinces Kamehameha to use Ka’iana's guns. The series explores complex relationships between the women, avoiding stereotypical portrayals of rivalry. O’Hinepehinga explains, "It’s not this woman versus this woman, because love does look different in Indigenous cultures. It wasn’t considered wrong or offensive for them to take lovers outside of their marriage."

Community Impact and Budget

Despite critical acclaim, the production of 'Chief of War' wasn't without controversy. The filming led to the temporary closure of the Kaimu Farmer’s Market in Hawai’i, disrupting local vendors. However, the show’s cultural representation and commitment to the Hawaiian language have been widely praised.

The total budget for Chief of War is approximately $340 million (around Rs 2,830 crore INR), making it one of the most expensive series ever made. The significant budget is evident in the meticulously crafted fight sequences and authentic portrayal of late 18th-century Hawai’i.

Key Takeaways

• 'Chief of War' portrays the unification of Hawai‘i, focusing on warrior Kaʻiana.
• The series is primarily in the Hawaiian language and features a predominantly Polynesian cast.
• Filming impacted the Kaimu Farmer’s Market, sparking community concerns.
• The series boasts a budget of approximately $340 million.

Future Prospects

Momoa remains optimistic about the show’s future, stating, "Listen, if people really resonate with it, there’s so many possibilities of what can happen. Next season, if there is one, oh, it’s all [coming] out, because this story is fucking huge, dude." He encourages viewers to watch up to episode eight and "sit with it for the week."