"The Great Warrior" is one of the most anticipated series of the year, which fits into the epic-historical genre and premiered worldwide on August 1 on Apple TV+.
Created by and starring Jason Momoa, it tells the dramatic story, based on true events, of Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian warrior in the midst of colonization.
This authentic and cultural narrative reclaims the indigenous perspective in a blockbuster that fuses epic, conflict, and spiritual beauty.
Today we're sharing the premiere and everything you need to know about this exciting series.
Audience ranking:
Overwhelming success for The Great Warrior
The series debuted with impressive numbers, ranking as the most-watched series of the week on Asian platforms.
In Spain, it reached number 3 on the weekly charts, while worldwide it ranked number 5, with more than 18 million views.
It surpassed titles such as Lotus Spirit and Roads of Steel, far exceeding audience expectations.
Critical and public reception:
The great warrior convinces almost everyone
The series received an average rating of 8.6/10 on platforms like MyDramaList and a 92% approval rating on Google reviews.
Critics praised its epic narrative and character development, while audiences praised its action scenes and emotional realism.
And all this when it's just starting!
Plot of The Great Warrior
The series chronicles the unification of the Hawaiian kingdoms in the late 18th century from an indigenous perspective.
Kaʻiana, played by Momoa, is a member of Maui royalty who becomes embroiled in power struggles, betrayals, romances, and clashes with Western settlers known as "paleskins."
While the narrative explores ancestral struggles and the culture clash that will transform the face of Hawaii, the use of the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi language reinforces cultural respect and the essence of ancestral identity.
Cast and production of The Great Warrior
The mostly Polynesian cast includes Temuera Morrison , Luciane Buchanan , Cliff Curtis , Kaina Makua, and local consultants to ensure authenticity in traditional tattoos, clothing, architecture, and rituals.
Produced by Fifth Season and Chernin Entertainment , with showrunner Doug Jung alongside Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, it stands out for its ambition, deep cultural focus and carefully crafted aesthetic vision.
We also know that Momoa directed the final episode.
Filming and locations
Filmed entirely on the Hawaiian Islands , the natural setting takes center stage. The volcanoes, jungles, and beaches are not mere backdrops, but scenes laden with symbolism that transport the viewer to a tangible and authentic cultural universe.
It features superb production design, with every visual detail—huts, temples, costumes, handcrafted weapons—recreated with an almost museum-like ethnographic approach.
Textures, materials, and natural sensations are perceived as authentic, allowing the viewer to experience the story almost physically: the warmth, the humidity, the ritual of the environment, and the symbolism of the landscape.
Where to watch The Great Warrior?
Available on Apple TV+ in Spain and worldwide since its global launch. The platform offers playback of previous episodes and replays, including the first two already available since the premiere, will consist of a total of nine episodes. episodes of nearly one hour. One chapter was released weekly on Fridays until September 19.
The Great Warrior Soundtrack
Composed by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham , the music combines natural sounds and ancestral drums to create an immersive atmosphere that transcends the visual. It functions as a cultural and emotional language, revealing tensions, spirituality, and ancestral memory in each scene.
Momoa's Confessions
Jason Momoa said, "I've put my heart and soul into the responsibility that comes with this project."
He also mentions that portraying Kaʻiana, a warrior who rebelled against Kamehameha I in 1795 during the conquest of Oʻahu, was, to quote him, "the most difficult and emotionally demanding thing I've ever done," emphasizing that he is not a fictional character, but a real figure with a deep personal and cultural legacy.
The Great Warrior
An epic film that respects the culture of a people
This series stands as an ambitious work that fuses history, identity and cinematic spectacle.
With an Indigenous focus, an authentic cast, and impeccable art design, it champions a necessary global narrative.
More than a series, it's an act of memory, justice, and cultural representation. An experience that transcends fiction to connect with deep roots.
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