Luciane Buchanan's Journey to Prominence Unveiled Through Military Leader's Guidance
In the world of entertainment, Luciane Buchanan, the Senior News Editor at Town & Country, has made a significant leap from behind the desk to in front of the camera. Buchanan is now captivating audiences as Ka'ahumanu, a central figure in the Apple TV series "Chief of War."
Ka'ahumanu, portrayed by Buchanan, is not the "Chief of War" in Hawaiian history. That title and role in the series are associated with Ka'iana, a Hawaiian warrior chief from Kaua'i who lived in the late 18th century. Ka'iana was a key figure who travelled abroad, gained Western weapons and knowledge, and fought in battles during Kamehameha I's campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands.
In contrast, Ka'ahumanu was a significant historical figure but distinct from Ka'iana and the warrior chief role depicted in the series. Ka'ahumanu was a powerful queen and regent in the early 19th century after Kamehameha I's death. She is known for her substantial political influence, helping to shape the future of the Hawaiian Kingdom, promoting Christianity, and contributing to major cultural changes in Hawaii.
Buchanan's portrayal of Ka'ahumanu is a "dream come true," she shared, when she heard about the opportunity to be in "Chief of War." Much of the series is in Hawaiian, a language Buchanan had to learn for the role.
Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, one of the creators of "Chief of War," believed that Buchanan's heritage as a woman with Polynesian roots helped her understand the "weight" of playing Ka'ahumanu. Buchanan felt Ka'ahumanu's spirit in some scenes while filming "Chief of War," especially when filming in Hawai'i.
Buchanan spent nearly a year in production portraying Ka'ahumanu and found empowerment in the process, advocating for herself creatively. She found inspiration for playing Ka'ahumanu in Beyoncé's Renaissance album, particularly the song "Alien Superstar."
The hope is "to be the first and hopefully not the last" in telling Polynesian history from an Indigenous point of view. In the first nine episodes of "Chief of War," Buchanan rises to become the favorite wife of King Kamehameha I and his most trusted advisor.
As Buchanan continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, she is also filming Evil Dead Burn, the newest addition to the Evil Dead franchise. Ka'ahumanu, the character portrayed by Buchanan, is standing on a cliffside, looking into the distance and expressing curiosity about what lies beyond her island.
Subscribe now to Town & Country for more content on Luciane Buchanan's journey and other captivating stories.
- Luciane Buchanan, the Senior News Editor at Town & Country, is captivating audiences as she portrays Ka'ahumanu in the Apple TV series "Chief of War."
- In contrast to the warrior chief depicted in the series, Ka'ahumanu was a significant historical figure who served as a powerful queen and regent in early 19th century Hawaii.
- Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, one of the creators of "Chief of War," believes Buchanan's heritage as a woman with Polynesian roots helped her understand the "weight" of playing Ka'ahumanu.
- Buchanan's portrayal of Ka'ahumanu in "Chief of War" has been a "dream come true" for her, as she felt Ka'ahumanu's spirit while filming in Hawai'i.
- Buchanan found inspiration for playing Ka'ahumanu in Beyoncé's Renaissance album, particularly the song "Alien Superstar."
