Luciane Buchanan as Ka‘ahumanu in Chief of War
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Who Does Luciane Buchanan Play in Chief of War? Meet Queen Ka‘ahumanu
In Apple TV+’s sweeping historical epic Chief of War, acclaimed New Zealand–born actress Luciane Buchanan brings to life a figure of immense historical and cultural significance: Queen Ka‘ahumanu, the favored wife and trusted advisor of King Kamehameha I.
Let’s explore Luciane Buchanan’s background and how she transforms into one of the most powerful women in early 19th-century Hawaiian history.
Luciane Buchanan: Actress with Range and Heritage
Luciane Buchanan, born on July 18, 1993, in Auckland, New Zealand, is an actress of Tongan and Scottish descent, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Psychology from the University of Auckland.
Her career includes notable roles such as:
- Rose Larkin in Netflix’s The Night Agent (2023–)
- Tripitaka in The New Legends of Monkey (2018–2020)
- Kennedy Truebridge in Filthy Rich (2016–2017)
Known for her emotional range and commitment, Buchanan’s casting in Chief of War reflects the show’s dedication to authentic Polynesian storytelling and complex, empowering characters.
Queen Ka‘ahumanu: A Rebel, Regent, and Game-Changer
In Chief of War, Buchanan takes on the role of Ka‘ahumanu, a figure often overshadowed in history books but pivotal in shaping Hawaiʻi’s transformation during and after unification.
Ka‘ahumanu is introduced at the cusp of early adulthood—standing in a cliffside scene that immediately establishes her as bold and unapologetically curious. When told that reading the stars is "a study for men only," she defiantly responds, “Since when have I cared what is only for men?”
As the story progresses, Ka‘ahumanu evolves from a noblewoman protected in hiding to Kamehameha I’s favored wife and de facto co-ruler—making critical decisions and influencing the political landscape of a newly unified kingdom.
Portraying Ka‘ahumanu: Emotional Depth and Cultural Dedication
Despite not being Native Hawaiian, Buchanan deeply connected with Ka‘ahumanu’s legacy. She conducted immersive preparation—traveling to the queen’s birthplace in Hāna, Maui, building family genealogies to understand Ka‘ahumanu’s origins, and practicing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) intensively.
Luciane described a spiritually charged moment when she sought validation at the queen’s birth site—only to experience a sudden and powerful gust of wind, reinforcing her belief that Ka‘ahumanu's spirit was aware of her intentions.
Buchanan also credited listening to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album—especially its “Alien Superstar” energy—as a way to channel Ka‘ahumanu’s regal confidence and presence. Town & Country
Why Ka‘ahumanu’s Story Matters
Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s influence went far beyond marriage. After Kamehameha I’s death, she served as regent, helped dismantle the kapu system, championed the spread of Christianity, and paved the way for the Hawaiian Kingdom’s modernization.
In Chief of War, portraying Ka‘ahumanu is a powerful reclaiming of a story too often told through male perspectives. Buchanan embodies a woman who spoke her truth, commanded respect, and shaped history—making her portrayal essential in centering Indigenous female voices in period dramas.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural and Cinematic Breakthrough
Luciane Buchanan’s role as Queen Ka‘ahumanu in Chief of War is more than a performance—it’s a cultural milestone. Representing a legacy of leadership, strength, and transformation, Buchanan’s portrayal brings overdue depth to a queen who helped shape modern Hawaiʻi.
The series is now streaming on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes available and new episodes weekly through September 2025.
Through Buchanan’s performance, Ka‘ahumanu emerges not just as history’s queen, but as a woman who dared to defy expectations—and continues inspiring a new generation to reclaim their stories.