In the Apple TV+ historical drama, Chief of War, the cast is made up of many Polynesian actors; ranging from the hot shot that is Jason Momoa, to industry mainstays like Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis, and newcomers like Kaina Makua.

For Siua Ikale’o, he makes his breakout role in the show as Nāhi; one of the brothers to Momoa’s Ka’iana. Prior to this, he has made appearances in other shows like Normal Ain’t Normal and NCIS: Hawai’i.

Ahead of the show’s finale, The Nerds of Color spoke with Ikale’o on his story to getting this role, learning how to speak ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, what it was like working alongside actors like Momoa and Morrison, and why he thinks now is the perfect time for the show to come out.

All episodes of Chief of War are now streaming on Apple TV+.