Interview with Siua Ikale’o, stars of Chief of War

Welcome Siua Ikale’o, one of the stars of Chief of War. Can you tell us about your role in the series? Who is ‘Nahi’, the character you play?

Hello, thank you for having me.

Nahi is the youngest out of three brothers to Ka’iana (Jason Momoa) and Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka). We are warrior chiefs originally from the Kingdom of Maui.

Chief of War is a series that tells the story of an 18th-century Hawaiian warrior and describes the political and military struggles for power and cultural identity. These themes seem very relevant today, and combined with a high-caliber cast, they have made the series a success. In today's streaming landscape, where there is so much to choose from, how important is a good story with a high-caliber cast?

Profoundly important. 

Before I talk about the cast, let's not forget the set design, costumes, makeup and hair, everything… etc. cinematography mindblowingly beautiful… everything, just everything…

Audiences are constantly seeking something new and exciting, but at the same time, the risk of investing their time in something unknown is extremely high. 

Not only that, but for the Hawaiian people that this story belongs to, it was a necessity that we strive for authenticity.

So if you are going to tell a story at this scale about a historical event that no one in the world knew about, speaking a real language, ‘Olelo Hawaii ( that no one has ever heard of), with the majority of the cast who are Polynesian (that no one has ever seen before).

Authenticity, in every single detail, was vital. Not only with history, but culture and language, taking the audience on a journey of real human experience in history.

Most importantly for our Polynesian people, for the aging relatives, watching the show that they get to witness in their lifetime, their own brown people excelling in this field, where we are painting a vivid, moving picture of their history that they’ve grown up hearing and imagining. They don't have to imagine it now.

Then, for the young Polynesians, as our co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbet would say, “my son got to see that success comes in the form of brown people.”

Who is Siua Ikale'o as an actor? Is there a role you've remained particularly attached to throughout your career?

While my professional career is still at its freshman stage, Nahi will always and forever hold a special place in my heart.

If you could star in a classic film, which one would you choose, and which role would you play?

The next classic that has not been made yet, and the role that I’m destined to play. 

You will soon be part of the cast of the television series Nemesis. Could you introduce your character?

I can’t share too many details yet, but my character on Nemesis is Ika Matangi. I worked very closely with the main character, Isaiah Stiles, played by Matthew Law.

What can viewers expect from Nemesis?

Expect to see Siua in a different role than what audiences are used to in Chief of War.

What are Siua Ikale'o's next projects besides Nemesis?

I am currently auditioning for some exciting roles, so fingers crossed…