Kiwi actor on becoming a gladiator: 'Māori blood is like a superpower, eh?'

Rotorua-born actor Jordi Webber, who plays Tarchon in the NZ-filmed series Spartacus: House of Ashur, attributes his Māori heritage as a key factor in his ability to wield weapons naturally. He describes his warrior ancestors as a source of strength and fluidity in movement. Webber's journey to the role included a period of homelessness and spiritual exploration, which deepened his appreciation for the historical significance of filming locations like Rome's Colosseum and Pompeii. The role of Tarchon was physically demanding, requiring extensive training and daily exercise. Webber also discusses the challenges of adapting to the show's explicit language, contrasting it with his upbringing in the LDS Mormon church. Beyond acting, Webber is a musician, and his new song 'Live or Die' reflects his love for travel and the lessons he has learned from his journeys. His career path, which includes a stint in a boy band, was influenced by a year of saying yes to every opportunity, a practice inspired by the Jim Carrey film 'Yes Man'.