Punahou School Graduate Excels as Chief of War

Streaming entertainment fans were treated to a riveting performance by Punahou School graduate Brandon Finn in a recent episode of “Chief of War.” In the series, Finn plays Prince Kūpule, who is faced with a challenging decision when his father, King Kahekili of Maui, tasks him with hunting down a central character, Kaʻiana. The intensity of the scene was not lost on Finn, who shared that it was his favorite moment to shoot, describing it as “brutal.”

Working alongside New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison, who portrayed King Kahekili, Finn credited Morrison with helping him capture the emotional depth of the scene. The role of Prince Kūpule required Finn to delve deep into the father-son dynamic between the characters, drawing inspiration from his own relationship with his father.

Finn’s dedication to his craft extended beyond character development, as he committed himself to learning the Hawaiian language for his role. Despite having limited experience with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi prior to filming, Finn worked closely with instructor Kiawe Goodhue to ensure his pronunciation and delivery resonated authentically with viewers.

A Maui native, Finn’s connection to the island and its culture added a personal touch to his portrayal of Prince Kūpule. Reflecting on his journey from Maui to Oʻahu and now to the global stage with Apple TV+, Finn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the character of Prince Kalanikūpuli to life.

Beyond his individual performance, Finn hopes that viewers of “Chief of War” will develop an appreciation for the Hawaiian language. He sees the show as a platform for promoting the resurgence of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, both within Hawaiʻi and beyond. By showcasing the beauty and significance of the language, Finn believes that the series can inspire viewers to explore and learn more about Ōlelo Hawaii, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.