Luciane Buchanan Will Shine Like Gold In Her Upcoming Project With Jason Momoa!

If you thought Luciane Buchanan had already proven her range with her breakout role in The Night Agent, buckle up—because the Kiwi powerhouse is stepping into a whole new realm in a new Apple TV+ series! The actress has expressed and advocated for her own heritage multiple times in interviews and over the course of her social media presence, and she gets to play one of the most powerful women in Hawaiian history! Keep reading to find out more!

The Series: A War for Identity, Told Through an Indigenous Lens

(Apple TV)

Chief of War is a historical epic set in 18th-century Hawaii that’s set to premiere August 1, 2025, and the nine-episode series brings together rich indigenous history, sweeping battles, and a cast led by none other than Jason Momoa. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Chief of War is more than your average period piece. It’s a reclamation. A retelling. A warrior’s narrative that dares to step away from the colonial gaze and give the voice back to the people of the Pacific. “To be part of something that honors our histories on such a scale—it’s surreal,” she said in an interview with Timid Magazine. “These stories deserve space.” 

At its heart is Kaʻiana—a Hawaiian noble who returns to his homeland after journeying abroad, only to find the islands embroiled in war. The kingdoms are battling over unification, foreign influence is creeping in, and Kaʻiana must choose between preserving what was or becoming part of the change.

Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu: Behind the Throne

Enter Luciane Buchanan. The Night Agent star trades in modern espionage for royal intrigue, stepping into the role of Kaʻahumanu—wife, strategist, and eventually… has a key art in Hawaiian royalty. 

(Apple TV)

Buchanan’s Kaʻahumanu is not just a royal consort—she’s the political spine of the court. A woman whose curiosity reaches far beyond the shoreline, who sees change not as something to fear but something to shape. And if history tells us anything, Kaʻahumanu wasn’t just a footnote—she was a force. A tactician. A feminist icon centuries before the word existed. Buchanan credits her grandmother and aunties for helping her being shaped into the role. “For my upcoming role as Ka‘ahumanu in Chief of War, I approached her with an understanding of the women I know—especially the Tongan women who raised me. My aunties, my grandmother—they’re fierce, grounded, and unwavering. When I read the character, she felt familiar, so a lot of the authenticity came from channeling their strength.” She had also shared with Timid Mag. “I worked with cultural advisors who guided me through the mo‘olelo—the oral histories of Hawai‘i. While we took creative license in some areas, the emotional truth came from those real-life women who shaped me.”

In Buchanan’s hands, the role promises nuance, intelligence, and vulnerability. Expect dialogue that cuts like obsidian and power dynamics you’ll be rewatching just to decode.

Where It Was Shot: Yes, This Is Cinematic

(Apple TV)

While the show takes place in the Hawaiian archipelago, production kicked off in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands—another jewel of the Pacific. With sweeping volcanic plains, misty jungle canopies, and coastlines that practically beg for a drone shot, the setting is its own character. Add in lava fields filmed on-location in Kalapana, Hawaii, and you’ve got a backdrop that mirrors the emotional and political intensity of the story itself.

This isn’t just a pretty period piece. Chief of War is cinematic with purpose—every frame soaked in culture, history, and tension.

Why Luciane Buchanan is the One to Watch

Luciane Buchanan has always chosen roles that demand more than surface-level charm. From her vulnerable strength in The Night Agent to her grounded performances in Filthy Rich and The New Legends of Monkey, she’s quietly built a reputation as an actress who does her homework—and then rewrites the assignment. In Chief of War, she’s poised to reach a new tier.

(Apple TV)

There’s a growing buzz that Buchanan is stepping into her “Zendaya arc”—an actress once under the radar now rising to elite status through smart choices, cultural impact, and undeniable talent. This role isn’t just a notch on her résumé. It could be the pivot that turns her into a household name.

Buchanan recently expressed delight on her Instagram stories of the trailer being shown at the Gold House 4th Annual Gold Gala. Buchanan was quite literally gleaming like gold on the carpet, and infused her own Tongan culture into her look for the evening. “My uncle flew in the morning of the event with a suitcase full of traditional Tongan pieces. I’m wearing a kiekie, a decorative skirt overlay worn on special occasions, and carrying a woven fan—not just because it was hot on the carpet, but because every element is rooted in natural materials and cultural storytelling.” She had shared to Timid Mag for the night of the gala.

Lucianne Buchanan Instagram Stories

Apple TV+ is betting big on Chief of War, a show that doesn’t just entertain—it educates, it challenges, it decolonises. In an era where audiences are demanding more authenticity and cultural nuance, this series comes at the perfect time.

It’s a story about resistance and legacy. About a people on the brink of change, and a woman like Kaʻahumanu—brought to life by Luciane Buchanan—helping steer the tide.

So set your reminders, mark your calendars, or get your group chats ready for a binge session. Chief of War hits Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025. And when it does, expect Luciane Buchanan to steal the show.

Watch The Preview Below: