Apple TV+ is set to make waves on August 1st with Chief of War, an epic historical drama centered on the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, led by Jason Momoa. One of the standout cast members is Te Kohe Tuhaka, a powerhouse Māori actor known for his commanding presence and cultural authenticity. In our latest episode of Pop Culture Unplugged, Tuhaka joined us to talk about his role as Namake' (also known as Laʻamaikahiki), the emotional and physical preparation for the part, and the deep cultural meaning behind the project.
Here are some of the biggest highlights from our conversation:
🎯 Landing the Role of Namake'
Tuhaka shared the unique circumstances that led him to the series. “I was actually on a reality TV show and got eliminated,” he laughed. “And then I got the audition for Chief of War. I originally read for the role of King Ka’iana, but eventually landed the role of Namake’, the middle brother—the calm in the storm.” After his tape reached the director’s round, a call from Jason Momoa sealed the deal: “He welcomed me to the family.”
🌊 A Character Rooted in Culture and Ritual
Namake’ is deeply spiritual, connected to ritual and tradition. “He’s the cleaner of the two brothers,” Tuhaka explained. “The one who sees beyond the chaos. He’s deeply tied to the land, the water, and the rituals of the Hawaiian Kingdom.”
What made the role even more significant? “Jason told me this character is connected to his own lineage. That added a whole new level of responsibility.”
💪 Physical and Emotional Preparation
As a self-proclaimed “waterman,” Tuhaka’s connection to the ocean helped inform his character. “I do open-ocean paddling, so that connection to water is already part of me. That helped me embody the role physically and spiritually.”
His training even included working out with Jason Momoa: “I tried to lift what he was lifting, and quickly realized I was out of my league,” he laughed. “But Jason gave me pointers. He’s super generous.”
🎭 Balancing Power with Vulnerability
While Chief of War is visually intense and physically demanding, Tuhaka emphasized the emotional depth of the story. “Yes, it's set in a specific time and culture, but the themes—honor, love, turmoil—are universal. My character is torn between unspoken love and his duty to his people. That tension is deeply human.”
He also opened up about the moment he stepped into full costume, including traditional tattoos and the mahiole (Hawaiian helmet): “It felt like putting on armor. That final piece grounded me and got me ready.”
🌺 A Personal Highlight: Honoring Ancestral Ritual
One of the most meaningful moments for Tuhaka was filming a ritual scene that appears briefly in the trailer. “There’s an image of Namake’ in the ocean, performing a Hawaiian ritual. I can’t say too much—but being part of that, learning the incantations and timing, it was incredibly special.”
🎬 What’s Next for Te Kohe Tuhaka?
Outside of Chief of War, Tuhaka is busy behind the camera. “I’ve got a short film making the festival rounds, and I’m developing a feature that’s a tribute to my mother.” He’s also working on an action short that he wrote and directed, continuing to explore stories that matter to him.
He’s even eyeing new roles: “I’ve spent most of my career half-naked. I’d love to do a detective thriller next—fully clothed and maybe driving a car,” he joked.
📲 Stay Connected
You can follow Te Kohe’s journey on Instagram @tekohetuhaka, where he shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from filming in both Hawaii and chilly New Zealand.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Chief of War isn’t just a war story—it’s a cultural moment. Through Namake’, Tuhaka brings depth, dignity, and soul to a character who bridges tradition and transformation. As he put it, “This is a top-three project for me—because of what I’ve learned, and because of what it represents for our communities.”
Catch Chief of War premiering August 1 on Apple TV+ and stay tuned for more interviews on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias.